According to sources in Italy, Enzo Maresca is in support for Chelsea’s efforts to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Chelsea has been monitoring Osimhen’s position all summer, but the Italian team’s original demand of €130 million (£110.8 million) has kept Chelsea from agreeing to their terms.
Although Napoli lowered their asking price to €100 million (£85.8 million), Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain—who have been engaged in lengthy negotiations this summer—refuse to meet that amount.
A disagreement with the 20-year-old over personal issues caused their €40 million (£34.5 million) deal with Atletico Madrid for Samu Omorodion to fall apart over the weekend, dealing a setback to Chelsea’s search of a new striker.
According to Sky Sports Italy, Chelsea have now switched their focus to signing Osimhen and the Nigeria international is open to a move to Stamford Bridge on a permanent deal.
The report adds that Maresca has personally approved the move for Osimhen with Chelsea’s hierarchy.
Napoli’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, travelled to London on Tuesday for talks with Chelsea over a deal for Romelu Lukaku.
The Times reported on Wednesday that Napoli have now offered Osimhen to Chelsea as part of the proposal which would allow Lukaku to be reunited with Antonio Conte.
Chelsea have been looking to secure a £40m fee for Lukaku, who still has two years remaining on his current contract.
Speaking at the weekend, Manna revealed that Osimhen has told Napoli’s hierarchy that he wants to leave before the end of the summer transfer window.
‘Victor Osimhen has asked to leave the club. He wants to go,’ Manna said.
‘The situation is clear, there were already chances for his exit last summer. Victor wants to leave. We will see in the next 20 days.’
Manna has also travelled to London to finalise Napoli’s agreement with Brighton over a deal for Billy Gilmour. The Scotland international is set to join the Serie A side for an initial €12m (£10.3m) plus a further €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons.