Victor Osimhen’s proposed exit from Napoli has stalled with the forward unhappy at the potential conditions of a transfer.
Osimhen has made clear his desire to leave Naples after four prolific campaigns with the club and has admirers across Europe’s top clubs.
Paris Saint-Germain were frontrunners with Osimhen open to joining the French champions but negotiations broke down as PSG baulked at Napoli’s demands.
Chelsea have since emerged as an option, with Napoli’s interest in signing Romelu Lukaku a potential factor to help facilitate a deal. However, Chelsea want to sign Osimhen on an initial loan deal to remain compliant with Premier League PSR, a suggestion that has complicated a deal.
The Nigeria international has no intention of leaving Napoli on loan if there is a possibility of returning to Serie A at the end of the 2024-25 campaign. Any loan deal would have to include a mandatory purchase option.
Providing an update on the Osimhen situation, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: “From what I’m told, I don’t think it’s going to be a situation resolved today, tonight, Monday or Tuesday. It’s going to take some time to understand what happens between Napoli and Chelsea, because as of today, Osimhen and his agent have no intention to go on loan.
“Chelsea know that Napoli will return for Romelu Lukaku, and they know that conversations will continue. But at the moment, the issue is not Napoli. The issue is the player. Napoli are prepared to sell Osimhen, but the player doesn’t want to go on loan.”
