Victor Osimhen’s agent responds to Chelsea transfer loan link

Victor Osimhen’s agent has hit back at reports claiming that the Napoli striker will join Chelsea as part of a swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku.

Napoli have agreed to let Osimhen leave this summer but their president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, has been holding out for a club to trigger the Nigeria international’s €130m (£110.8m) clause.

Chelsea, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have all registered their interest but are all unwilling to meet Napoli’s asking price.

Napoli are relying on Osimhen’s transfer fee to help offset their summer spending, which includes a deal with Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku, who Antonio Conte is keen to sign.

Reports on Tuesday claimed that Chelsea and Napoli are in talks over a move for both players which would see Lukaku return to Italy on a permanent deal, while Osimhen would move to Stamford Bridge on loan with an option to buy.

However, Osimhen’s representative, Roberto Calenda, has strongly denied reports that the Nigerian striker will leave in a cut-price deal.

‘I’ve read about unfounded imaginary trades involving Victor, shipped around like a package ready for delivery,’ Calenda wrote on X.

‘But remember that this “package” is the top scorer of the third Scudetto in Naples’ history.

‘Respect and no more fake news!’

Over the weekend, Osimhen was left out of Napoli’s squad for their pre-season friendly against Egnatia.

PSG have held advanced talks over a deal for Osimhen but those negotiations have stalled.

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