Reacting to speculation, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca addressed reports linking the club with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
During his first pre-match press conference of the Premier League season before their week 1 fixture against Manchester City, Maresca cautiously discussed potential transfers.
Maresca emphasized, “It’s not appropriate to discuss players who are not part of our squad, whether from Napoli or Atletico Madrid.”
Osimhen and Felix have been linked with Chelsea to strengthen their attacking options this season. Reports even suggest that Atletico Madrid rejected a €45m bid for Felix from the Blues.
Following the recent signing of Pedro Neto from Wolves for £51.3 million, Chelsea’s forward line seems well-stocked with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Christopher Nkunku. However, Neto’s injury issues might prompt Maresca to manage his workload carefully, sparking rumors of potential reinforcements.
Osimhen has long been a rumored target for Chelsea, with club legends Mikel Obi and Didier Drogba reportedly persuading the Nigerian striker to move to Stamford Bridge.
Mikel expressed, “We need a proven finisher, a goal-scorer, the one who can convert tap-ins. Someone like Erling Haaland. Victor Osimhen possesses such qualities and would be a valuable addition to Chelsea. Hopefully, Chelsea fans will soon witness his arrival.”
The 25-year-old Osimhen shone in Serie A, clinching the Capocannoniere title in the 2022/23 season with 26 goals. His potential arrival could address Chelsea’s longstanding attacking concerns.
While remaining tight-lipped on specific transfer targets, Maresca’s ambiguous response hints that Chelsea’s transfer dealings might continue as they aim for a title challenge.
Although Napoli initially demanded Osimhen’s full release clause of £113 million, rumors suggest the Italian side could entertain a swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku, Cesare Casadei, and a cash component, given new coach Antonio Conte’s interest in the latter.