Transfer: Maresca Backs Chelsea’s Pursue Of Osimhen

Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has told the Premier League side board that he is in support of their pursuit of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.

Chelsea have been keeping tabs on Osimhen’s situation throughout the summer but have been unwilling to meet Napoli’s asking price, with the Italian club initially demanding €130m (£110.8m).

Napoli dropped their valuation to €100m (£85.8m) but Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, who have also held extensive talks this summer, are still refusing to match that figure.

Over the weekend, Chelsea were dealt a blow in their pursuit of a new striker as their €40m (£34.5m) deal with Atletico Madrid for Samu Omorodion collapsed due to a disagreement with the 20-year-old over personal terms.

According to Sky Sports Italy, Chelsea have now switched their focus to signing Osimhen and the Nigeria international is open to a move to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal.

The report adds that Maresca has personally approved the move for Osimhen within Chelsea’s hierarchy.

Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, travelled to London on Tuesday for talks with Chelsea over a deal for Romelu Lukaku.

The Times reported on Wednesday that Napoli have now offered Osimhen to Chelsea as part of the proposal which would allow Lukaku to be reunited with Antonio Conte.

Chelsea have been looking to secure a £40m fee for Lukaku, who still has two years remaining on his current contract.