Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has addressed the speculation surrounding the club’s interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix. Maresca said this during his first pre-match press conference for the Premier League season, in anticipation of the opening week clash against Manchester City on Sunday, Maresca exercised caution regarding potential transfers.
“The only statement I can make is that they are not our players, and it is inappropriate to discuss a player from Napoli or Atletico Madrid,” Maresca remarked. The Blues have been prominently linked with both Osimhen and Felix as they aim to enhance their attacking options for the current season, with reports indicating that a €45 million bid for Felix was recently declined by Atletico Madrid.
Following the acquisition of Pedro Neto from Wolves for £51.3 million, Chelsea’s forward lineup appears robust, featuring talents such as Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, and Christopher Nkunku. However, Neto’s injury issues necessitate careful management of his playing time, leaving open the possibility for additional signings.
Osimhen has consistently been identified as a prime target for the London club, with two of their former stars, Mikel Obi and Didier Drogba, reportedly attempting to persuade the Nigerian striker to join Stamford Bridge. “We seek a player who can finish and score goals, including the simple tap-ins. Someone akin to Erling Haaland,” Mikel recently stated. “That is precisely what Victor Osimhen would bring to Chelsea. I hope the fans will eventually see him don the club’s colors.”
The 25-year-old Osimhen has made a significant impact in Serie A, having secured the Capocannoniere title in the 2022/23 season with 26 goals. His addition could potentially address Chelsea’s longstanding challenges in the attacking department. While Maresca refrained from commenting on specific transfer targets, his evasive response implies that Chelsea’s transfer activities may not be concluded as they aspire to mount a title challenge. Despite Napoli’s initial demand for Osimhen’s full release clause of £113 million, the situation remains fluid.
