Roberto Calenda, the agent of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, has dismissed rumors about a potential loan move to Chelsea.
Recently, The Athletic reported that Chelsea were exploring a loan deal for Osimhen with an option to buy, as part of ongoing negotiations involving Romelu Lukaku moving to Napoli.
The financial demands initially deterred Chelsea, but discussions reportedly persisted, aiming for a potential swap where Lukaku would transfer permanently to Napoli and Osimhen would head to Chelsea, either on a permanent basis or on loan with an obligation to buy.
However, Calenda refuted these claims on social media, labeling the idea of a straightforward player exchange as “fantasy” and emphasizing Osimhen’s significant value.
Osimhen’s agent Calenda said, “I read about ‘fantasy exchanges’ with Victor… as if he was a package to be delivered quickly’. ‘This package is the top scorer of the third Scudetto in the history of Napoli’. ‘Respect and stop fake news!'”
Calenda reiterated his stance on his X account, underscoring Osimhen’s importance to Napoli and dismissing the idea of a quick exchange.
The Nigerian forward, who recently signed a contract extension with Napoli that includes a release clause exceeding £100 million, has been linked with other top European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain.
However, negotiations between PSG and Napoli stalled, and Osimhen remains with Napoli for now.
The striker, who commands a salary higher than Lukaku’s—€10 million (£8.4 million) annually compared to Lukaku’s €7 million (£5.9 million)—has attracted interest due to his prolific scoring record, netting 76 goals in 133 appearances since his transfer from Lille in July 2020.
Despite PSG’s ongoing interest and substantial offers from Saudi clubs, Osimhen is reportedly keen on Champions League football, with a move to the Premier League, specifically to Chelsea, being a favorable option.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding their futures, both Osimhen and Lukaku are training separately from their respective squads.
Napoli’s new head coach, Antonio Conte, who previously managed Lukaku at Inter Milan, is particularly interested in bringing the Belgian striker to the Serie A side.
Lukaku, who joined Chelsea in August 2021 for £97.5 million, spent the last season on loan at Roma, where he scored 21 goals in 47 matches across all competitions.
