Victor Osimhen call on Chelsea transfer sums up Liverpool rivals' predicament

Chelsea's chase for Victor Osimhen has hit a snag as the Napoli forward is reportedly not interested in a move to Stamford Bridge. It is a damning indictment on how Liverpool's rivals are currently being viewed by the world's top players after a tough time in recent years.

Osimhen has been strongly linked with a departure from the ex-Italian champions this summer, and it was recently revealed that the Blues were in discussions about a potential swap deal involving the Nigerian international and Romelu Lukaku. As per the Athletic , Chelsea and Napoli were considering a deal that would see Osimhen leave on loan with an option to buy, and Lukaku make a permanent switch to Italy to reunite with Antonio Conte.

However, Corriere dello Sport suggests that the prospect of joining Chelsea 'does not excite' Osimhen. The 25 year old hasn't featured at all for Napoli in pre-season and his future at the club remains up in the air, but it's claimed Chelsea does not appeal to him at this time.

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"These are all stages of a journey of work and growth that we are taking," said Napoli's sporting director Giovanni Manna, according to London World. "Each match is a little bit more that brings us closer to what will then be the official commitments, the first of the Coppa Italia and then the first day of the championship.

"We are working to try to maintain an economic balance because this is a complicated year given the absence of the Champions League . But we want to set up a competitive squad with the right characteristics, which can satisfy the coach."

Napoli manager Rudi Garcia has addressed speculation surrounding Victor Osimhen's future, saying: "Osimhen? In recent days, many things have been read and said. At the moment, we are focused on the construction of a team group. Victor's situation is quite clear to us: he is a Napoli player, at the moment a little behind in terms of condition."

"We are working on those players who will have to participate in the first official commitments. We are calm, we are focused: the team at this moment comes before the individual, and we are going in this direction."

Napoli has been busy in the transfer market so far, bringing in Alessandro Boungiorno, Rafa Marin and Leonardo Spinazzola. Leo Ostigard has left the club, while Piotr Zielinski joined Inter Milan on a free transfer and Jesper Lindstrom has signed for Everton on loan with an option to buy.

Liverpool.com says: Osimhen has been linked with Liverpool a lot in the past, although those rumors have since died down. However, it is notable that at a time when he looks likely to move on, Chelsea is not currently a team on his radar.

The Blues have had a tough time in recent years, and it is a damning indication of how they are currently being perceived that the club is seemingly not able to tempt Osimhen to the Premier League. It's hard to imagine Liverpool being viewed in the same way if it was interested.