Maresca addresses Osimhen links

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has responded to reports linking the club with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Maresca was cautious in his comments about potential transfers while speaking during his first pre-match press conference of the Premier League season ahead of their 2024/25 week 1 with Manchester City on Sunday.

“The only thing I can say, I have to say the same: They are not our players, so it’s not correct to talk about a Napoli player or an Atletico Madrid player,” Maresca stated.

The Blues have been heavily linked with moves for both Osimhen and Felix as they look to bolster their attack for this season, with reports suggesting they recently had a €45m bid for Felix rejected by Atletico Madrid.

With the recent acquisition of Pedro Neto from Wolves for £51.3 million, their forward line looks well-stocked with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Christopher Nkunku. However, Neto’s injury concerns imply Maresca must carefully manage his workload, leaving room for speculation about further additions.

Osimhen has long been rumoured as a top target for the London club, with two of their legends, Mikel Obi and Didier Drogba, reportedly trying to convince the Nigeria striker to move to Stamford Bridge.

“We want somebody who can finish, score goals, the tap-ins. Someone like Erling Haaland,” Mikel said recently. “That’s something Victor Osimhen will bring to Chelsea. I hope that Chelsea fans will finally see him come to the club.”

The 25-year-old Osimhen has impressed in Serie A, winning the Capocannoniere in the 2022/23 season with 26 goals. His arrival could finally solve Chelsea’s long-standing issues up front.

While Maresca refused to be drawn on specific transfer targets, his coy response suggests Chelsea’s business may not be finished this window as they look to mount a title challenge.

Despite Napoli initially demanding Osimhen’s full release clause of £113 million, reports suggest the Italian side may consider a swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku, Cesare Casadei, and additional cash, given new coach Antonio Conte’s interest in the former.