Chelsea emerge as ‘favourite destination’ for €130m-rated striker who ‘dreams’ of the Premier League | OneFootball

Chelsea are planning to launch a player-plus-cash deal to secure the services of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer, according to Gazzetta.

The Blues are locked in a two-way race for the Nigerian striker alongside Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, who are gearing up for the departure of Kylian Mbappe.

PSG view Osimhen as a long-term replacement for Mbappe, who is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer when his contract runs out this summer.

The French giants are planning to trigger the Nigerian’s €130 million release clause, but Chelsea are unwilling to accept defeat in the race for the former Lille striker.

Osimhen’s future has been subject to speculation since last season when he fired Napoli to their maiden Serie A title in over three decades.

The Partenopei managed to keep him for the 2023/24 campaign, but the striker is likely to leave Naples this summer due to his release clause.

Chelsea are at the forefront of the race to land his signature, but they could struggle to match Napoli’s price amid fears of breaching the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules.

However, Gazzetta reports that they’re willing to test Napoli’s resolve with a bid of around €80m plus Romelu Lukaku, who is expected to leave Stamford Bridge permanently this summer.

The Belgian has spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at AS Roma, bagging 20 goals in 44 appearances, but the Blues are looking to cut him loose this summer.

His £37m release clause makes a move to Saudi Arabia increasingly likely, but Chelsea could use him as a makeweight in their bid to land Osimhen’s signature.

PSG can offer Osimhen Champions League football, which gives them a slight edge, but the striker’s dream of playing in the Premier League plays into Chelsea’s hands.

Injuries have plagued Osimhen’s campaign thus far, but he has managed 16 goals and four assists in 29 appearances across all competitions. It will be interesting to see where he ends up this summer.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com