Enzo Maresca is backing Chelsea’s efforts to acquire Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to reports from Italy.
Chelsea has been monitoring Osimhen’s situation throughout the summer but has hesitated to meet Napoli’s asking price, which was initially set at €130m (£110.8m).
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Napoli lowered their asking price to €100m (£85.8m), but both Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, who have also engaged in extensive negotiations this summer, are still not willing to meet that amount.
Over the weekend, Chelsea faced a setback in their search for a new striker as their €40m (£34.5m) deal with Atletico Madrid for Samu Omorodion fell through due to a disagreement with the 20-year-old over personal terms.
Sky Sports Italy reports that Chelsea have now shifted their focus to signing Osimhen, and the Nigerian international is receptive to a move to Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis.
The report also states that Maresca has personally endorsed the move for Osimhen with Chelsea’s decision-makers.
Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, visited London on Tuesday to discuss a deal with Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku.
The Times reported on Wednesday that Napoli has now proposed including Osimhen in the deal, which would facilitate Lukaku’s return to Antonio Conte.
Chelsea has been aiming to secure a £40m fee for Lukaku, who still has two years left on his contract.
Manna revealed over the weekend that Osimhen has informed Napoli’s management of his desire to leave before the summer transfer window closes.
‘Victor Osimhen has asked to leave the club. He wants to go,’ Manna said.
‘The situation is clear; there were already opportunities for his exit last summer. Victor wants to leave. We will see in the next 20 days.’
Manna is also in London to finalize Napoli’s deal with Brighton for Billy Gilmour. The Scotland international is expected to join the Serie A club for an initial €12m (£10.3m) with an additional €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons.
