Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues retain Victor Osimhen interest; club not eyeing Bournemouth ace, and more - June 18, 2024

Chelsea have handed the keys of the first team to Enzo Maresca at the start of June. The Blues parted ways with Mauricio Pochettino last month following a sixth-placed finish in the 2023-24 campaign.

Meanwhile, the London giants remain interested in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Elsewhere, the club are not planning to move for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke this summer.

On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on June 18, 2024:

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Chelsea retain Victor Osimhen interest

Victor Osimhen

Chelsea remain keen to bring Victor Osimhen to Stamford Bridge this summer, according to Caught Offside. The Nigerian striker is a sought-after man this summer, but his reported €130 million release clause could pose a problem in any potential deal.

Osimhen has gone from strength to strength with Napoli in recent seasons and is now among the most lethal strikers in world football. The London giants are looking for a new striker this summer to power them back to the top.

Nicolas Jackson has failed to impress and is not a long-term solution for the job. Romelu Lukaku spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan with AS Roma and is no longer part of plans at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca is likely to push for a proven name to become the focal point of his attack next season, and there are few players better than Osimhen for the job. Contrary to recent rumours, Arsenal are not pushing for the 25-year-old.

Osimhen wants to leave the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium this summer, and Napoli are willing to consider his departure. Interestingly, the Serie A giants are eyeing Lukaku as a possible replacement for the Nigerian, which could work in the Blues' favour.

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Blues not eyeing Dominic Solanke

Dominic Solanke

Chelsea are no longer pursuing a move for Dominic Solanke this summer, according to The Athletic. The English striker enjoyed a fruitful 2023-24 campaign with Bournemouth, registering 21 goals and four assists in 42 games across competitions.

Recent reports have suggested that his efforts have turned heads at Stamford Bridge. Solanke spent some time with the Blues' academy but failed to break into the first team. He has developed in leaps and bounds recently, and a return has been talked up this summer.

However, the Athletic suggested that the player's £65 million release clause has become a dealbreaker for the London giants. The 26-year-old has been deemed too expensive, and Maresca is likely to pursue alternate targets.

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Chelsea set to make Jhon Duran decision this week, says Fabrizio Romano

Jhon Duran

Chelsea will make a decision on their pursuit of Jhon Duran this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Colombian forward remains heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge after an impressive debut season with Aston Villa.

Duran registered eight goals in 37 games across competitions, most of which were from the bench, and is expected to be on the move this summer. The Blues are looking for a new No. 9 this summer and are long-term admirers of the 20-year-old.

On The Daily Briefing, Romano said that the London giants could also consider a swap deal for Duran.

“Look, on the striker, what I’m hearing is that this week Chelsea are expected to make a decision on Jhon Duran, who remains the first name on their list.

"So now they have to decide whether they want to proceed with this deal, trying to make it happen with a swap with Aston Villa or if they want to move on and consider other opportunities on the market," said Romano.

He continued:

“The full priority is on Duran now. He remains the priority target in terms of a new striker, but obviously being a swap deal is not that easy to complete in a few days.”

Recent reports have suggested that the Villans have their eyes on Conor Gallagher, whose future at Stamford Bridge also remains up in the air.