Chelsea transfer news: The Blues have been given a hands-off warning from Napoli as Victor Osimhen interest hots up
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has sent a word of warning to all the teams interested in signing star striker Victor Osimhen this summer, taking a firm stance on the future of his most valuable asset. Osimhen and his teammates were crowned Serie A champions for the first time in 33 years earlier this week and it was once again his goal that helped them do it.
Dealing with Napoli is a notorious stumbling block for many, though, with De Laurentiis driving a hard line on pst deals and leaving many clubs frustrated down the years. When it comes to Osimhen, that stance isn't going to change. When asked about the Nigerian star, he said: “I will not sell Victor Osimhen this summer — no way”.
This comes after it was reported in Germany that it would take over £132m to purchase him, a price that even German giants Bayern Munich aren't willing to sanction for his talents. Even with the eagerness from Europe's elite to secure Osimhen's services for years to come, that it quite the price to pay, especially for tough negotiations and no guarantee of a sale.
That looks set to be Mauricio Pochettino's job to lose now with no evidence of interest in Spalletti becoming too serious. De Laurentiis set the record straight on him anyway. “I’ve already activated and triggered the option to extend Luciano Spalletti’s contract for next season," he said.
How Chelsea can beat Bournemouth with 4 undroppables for Frank Lampard and pre-Pochettino change
Nkunku starts, Kane signs, another joins: Chelsea's dream XI for 2023/24 with four transfers