Osimhen's Loan Move To Chelsea Is Fake News

Victor Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has issued a furious response to claims that the Nigerian striker could be joining Chelsea on loan as part of a swap deal.

Osimhen’s future has been the subject of speculation during the summer transfer window, with a recent report claiming he could join Chelsea on loan with an option to buy. The deal would also see Romelu Lukaku move in the other direction on a permanent transfer. Osimhen’s agent has now responded to the talk about the striker’s future with a strong statement on social media.

Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, posted on X: “I read about imaginative exchanges with Victor sent here and there as if he were a package to be delivered quickly. This package, however, is the top scorer of the third scudetto in Napoli’s history. Respect and stop with fake news!!!!”

Osimhen has starred for Napoli since signing from Lille, scoring 76 goals in 133 appearances for the club and helping deliver a first Scudetto since 1990 in 2023. His goalscoring exploits in Italy have led to plenty of speculation about a possible exit, although he is understood to have a release clause of around £110 million ($142 million). Meanwhile, Lukaku is also facing an uncertain future. The Chelsea striker appears unwanted at Stamford Bridge and has spent the last two seasons on loan in Italy with Inter and Roma.

Osimhen was left out of Napoli’s squad for their latest pre-season friendly against Egnatia in a move which is likely to heighten speculation about a summer transfer. Paris Saint-Germain are believed to have shown interest in signing Osimhen as well as Premier League sides Arsenal and Chelsea.