Enzo Maresca sends message to Chelsea board over Victor Osimhen transfer

Enzo Maresca is supporting Chelsea’s push to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to reports in Italy.

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 with 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.

Speaking at the weekend, Manna revealed that Osimhen has told Napoli’s hierarchy that he wants to leave before the end of the summer transfer window.

‘Victor Osimhen has asked to leave the club. He wants to go,’ Manna said.

‘The situation is clear, there were already chances for his exit last summer. Victor wants to leave. We will see in the next 20 days.’

Manna has also travelled to London to finalise Napoli’s agreement with Brighton over a deal for Billy Gilmour. The Scotland international is set to join the Serie A side for an initial €12m (£10.3m) plus a further €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons.

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