Osimhen’s agent denies Chelsea loan

Victor Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda has rubbished reports about the Nigeria striker joining Chelsea on loan with an option to buy amid negotiations with English Premier League giants, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Calenda broke his silence on the protracted transfer of the player in the wake of Tuesday’s report by The Athletic, whose Football Correspondent, David Ornstein, reported that both clubs have continued negotiations over a deal, which will see Romelo Lukaku move to Napoli permanently while Osimhen was expected to join Chelsea on loan with an option to buy.

Transfer market expert Fabrizio Romano, however, provided another update, quoting a seemingly furious Calenda, who debunked the link.

“I read about ‘fantasy exchanges’ with Victor. as if he was a package to be delivered quickly,” Calenda said via Romano.

“This package is the top scorer of the third Scudetto in the history of Napoli.

“Respect and stop fake news!”

Napoli and Chelsea resumed talks this week over a player-plus-cash deal for Osimhen and Lukaku as the Italian club seeks solutions to the protracted transfer of the 25-year-old.

According to Romano, Napoli are “looking for solutions” regarding Osimhen, aware of his desire to leave. The Italian club are also keen on bringing in Lukaku, which could pave the way for a swap deal.

Napoli would expect a fee in addition to Lukaku, given Osimhen’s £110m price tag, and it remains to be seen if Chelsea are willing to explore this option.

Meanwhile, according to Corriere Dello Sport, Arsenal have rekindled their interest in Osimhen, as Mikel Arteta considers the Super Eagles striker a better option than Kai Havertz up front.

However, there is no tabled bid, as the 13-time English Premier League winners can only afford to spend €85 million while Napoli wait on the possibility of the Lukaku-Osimhen swap deal Chelsea have offered.

Osimhen was heavily linked with PSG in the last two weeks, but negotiations between the Italian club and the French giants collapsed over his release clause, which had also prevented EPL clubs from submitting offers since the start of business this summer.