Chelsea are reportedly interested in a swap deal with Napoli this summer as the Blues are hoping to recruit Seria A’s leading goalscorer Victor Osimhen through offering Hakim Ziyech in a player-plus-cash deal. The west Londoners have apparently identified Osimhen as a vital target who can fix their goal issue and lead the team back to the top of the Premier League.
However, Manchester United may now become the victim of Chelsea’s extravagant spending. Osimhen has had a fantastic season with Napoli and is expected to complete the season as Serie A winner. The Red Devils have been interested in the Nigerian since his time in Lille, and they are looking to add more firepower this summer. But Chelsea could now make things difficult for the Red Devils.
Napoli interest in Hakim Ziyech could help Chelsea land Osimhen
To add to the woes of Manchester United and their Osimhen pursuit, Napoli are interested in signing Hakim Ziyech, who has been pushed to leave Stamford Bridge this summer. With goals and assists abounding while playing in Holland, the attacking midfielder acquired the nickname “The Wizard,” and he helped Ajax win the league and cup double in 2019.
The 30-year-old Moroccan star penned a five-year contract after joining Chelsea from Ajax in February 2020. However, he has struggled to recreate his form at Stamford Bridge, where he has 14 goals in 103 games over three seasons. Ziyech has appeared in just 20 games this season and was benched for Chelsea’s 2-0 defeats to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals.
According to the Daily Mirror, Chelsea may use Ziyech as ‘bait’ to entice Osimhen to Stamford Bridge due to Napoli’s interest in the winger. Frank Lampard’s side has struggled to fill the void left by Romelu Lukaku, who signed a season-long loan deal with Inter Milan last summer. Kai Havertz has led Chelsea’s attack amid a poor season in which he has only scored nine goals in 41 appearances.
Todd Boehly, the Blues’ co-owner, is apparently seeking to recoup almost £200 million in sales this summer after spending heavily in the previous two transfer windows. Ziyech, who had a loan transfer to Paris Saint-Germain fall through due to an administrative error in January, is allegedly on a huge contract that could put Napoli off a deal with Osimhen.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are interested in signing the Nigerian attacker from Napoli to help solve their respective offensive woes. United’s primary goal this summer is to sign a new striker, and the club is ‘absolutely interested’ in a deal for Osimhen, according to Sky Sports. The Red Devils let Cristiano Ronaldo leave last year before bringing in Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley in January to help Ten Hag’s attacking options.
However, Weghorst was always viewed as a stopgap measure, and a new, long-term solution will be sought this summer. Osimhen fits the bill, but could be on his way to Chelsea, should Napoli crack a deal for Hakim Ziyech. The Blues are also staring at a mass exodus in the summer, which could bring huge cash influx. As a result, Boehly is ready to pay a significant transfer fee as well for Osimhen alongside Hakim Ziyech. According to reports, Napoli would not entertain any offer for their striker that is less than €100 million.