Napoli are providing a major update on the future of Chelsea target Victor Osimhen

Napoli sporting director Giovanni Manna has confirmed that striker Victor Osimhen has asked to leave the club this summer.

Chelsea are long time fans of Osimhen as well 90 min understands the Blues are still eyeing a move for the Nigerian international, despite closing in on a £35m deal to sign Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid.

Paris Saint-Germain have also agreed personal terms with Osimhen but refused to meet Napoli's £100m-plus demands for the striker, who was left out of the squad for his club's first competitive game of the season on Saturday.

Asked to explain Osimhen's absence, Manna admitted: “Victor is a player who wants to leave, he asked to leave.

“Last year there was already an existing situation, we are still calm because we have boys in the squad who will replace him. Osimhen is a strong player but we want to give loyalty to the team and we prefer to protect the establishment of the team. Then we'll see what happens in the next 20 days.”

Chelsea are reluctant to meet Napoli's asking price and are hoping to sign Osimhen on an initial loan deal, although the striker's representatives are currently not considering any move that doesn't involve guaranteeing a permanent move away from Napoli.

Working for the Blues is Napoli boss Antonio Conte's desire to replace Osimhen with Romelu Lukaku, who is available for £37m.

“Lukaku is a Chelsea player too [Giacomo] Raspadori and others in the team are calm,” continued Manna. “An attacking player can come but it is not certain that it will be Lukaku. We will be ready to take advantage of any opportunities.”

Chelsea are ready to play the waiting game when it comes to Osimhen and, with Samu's impending arrival, feel under no pressure to meet Napoli's demands.

Instead, the Blues are hoping that the rift between Napoli and Osimhen, and Conte's determination to land Lukaku, could force the Serie A side to lower their demands later in the transfer window.

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