What Victor Osimhen has said about his future with Chelsea and PSG chasing Napoli star

Victor Osimhen remains a hot topic for Chelsea - as Enzo Maresca's team looks to bolster its ranks before the new Premier League season kicks off next month.

The Blues have had their eyes on the Napoli hitman for quite some time, and with a hefty £110 million ($143 million) release clause embedded in his contract from just over half a year ago, Napoli is holding out for the full sum if its to part ways with him this summer.

Speculation has been rife that Chelsea might throw Romelu Lukaku into the mix to sweeten the deal and lower Osimhen's price tag in a potential swap scenario. Reports suggest that Chelsea is now keen to progress its interest in Osimhen after initially holding back.

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Yet, Chelsea isn't alone in this chase; Paris Saint-Germain is also in the fray. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has indicated that discussions between PSG and Osimhen's representatives are moving forward, with the player himself favouring a move to France.

Osimhen's own words earlier this year hint at a readiness for a new chapter. While on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria in January, he confided to CBS Sports: At the end of the season, I think I already made up my mind.

“I already know what I wanna do with my career, since I've started, I've been the one taking my own decision and everything is working out well for me. Even though when I started it, it didn't go so well as planned.

“But I already have my plan, I already know what I want to do, the next step I want to take. So for now I just want to finish the season strong, go relax somewhere with my daughter, and then finally come up with the decision I've already made."

Napoli boss Antonio Conte hinted at a potential departure earlier in the summer, stating: "I know what the situation is regarding Osimhen. I know that there are agreements, that it is a situation different from all the others. I can only assist. He is a player of the highest level, exceptional, but I cannot enter into any discussion because it is part of previous agreements which have been clearly stated to me."

Liverpool.com says: Victor Osimhen is a superb striker, so it's unlikely he'll pick Chelsea over Paris Saint-Germain. Chelsea can't offer Osimhen Champions League soccer, while PSG is on the hunt for Kylian Mbappe's replacement. A move to Paris feels likely.