Chelsea 'make initial contact' over Victor Osimhen transfer as swap deal suggested

Chelsea are reportedly set to reignite their pursuit of Victor Osimhen, with a potential swap deal involvingRomelu Lukaku on the cards.

Osimhen, who led Napoli to Serie A glory last season and bagged Italy's golden boot award, has continued his goal-scoring form despite Napoli's lacklustre title defence this year. Currently sitting ninth in the Serie A table and a staggering 39 points behind champions Inter Milan, Napoli look set to miss out on European football next season, prompting Osimhen to consider his options.

Despite having two years left on his contract, which allows Napoli to demand a hefty fee, interest in Osimhen remains high, with Chelsea joining PSG at the front of the race for the 25-year-old striker.

Sky Sport Italia reports that Chelsea have made 'initial contacts' with Napoli regarding Osimhen's future. The Blues are reportedly trying to orchestrate a deal worth up to £77m, which would see Lukaku and a young player head to Italy in exchange for Osimhen.

Lukaku is said to be on the radar of Napoli's incoming sporting director Giovanni Manna, who previously attempted to sign him for Juventus. While negotiations are underway, the desires of both Osimhan and Lukaku will also need to be considered.

Napoli's search for a new manager is taking precedence over transfer business, with Stefano Pioli, Vincenzo Italiano, Gian Piero Gasperini, and former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte on the shortlist. The latter is reportedly an admirer of Romelu Lukaku.

How Chelsea can qualify for the Europa League with Man United and Newcastle outcome explained

Every word Mauricio Pochettino said on Chelsea win, Madueke, Cucurella role, mentality change

Aurelio De Laurentiis, Napoli's president, has conceded that Osimhen is likely to