Osimhen to Chelsea deal already agreed as Lukaku faces exit

Chelsea have little over a week until their 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off against Manchester City. The Blues welcome the champions to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, August 18 and there is still plenty of work to do on and off the pitch.

Enzo Maresca's squad did not have the best of pre-season tours in the United States, having lost three of their five games played. In fact, the only win came against Club America while the side could only draw with Wrexham. Of course, pre-season is not about results and instead about getting minutes in the tank and building up fitness, although some of the performances were far from ideal.

The west Londoners face Inter Milan on Sunday in their final pre-season friendly before facing Pep Guardiola's side one week later. Maresca will be keen to play a full strength team against the Italians, especially now Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella have returned to training following an extended break.

It's possible, however, that new signings come through the door between now and the summer transfer window deadline of August 30. The Blues continue to be linked with a prolific No.9, while a number of forwards also appear likely to move on in the next three weeks. With this in mind, football.london has detailed what Chelsea's dream forward line might look like next season.

Victor Osimhen agreed

Chelsea have held a long-term interest in Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. The 25-year-old has earned a reputation for being a lethal finisher and with two years remaining on his contract at Napoli it's thought he could be on the way out this summer.

According to the Athletic last week, alongside permanent transfer talks for Romelu Lukaku, negotiations are ongoing for Osimhen to arrive in west London on a season-long loan which includes an option to buy. Talk of a loan deal has since been rubbished by Osimhen's agent, Roberto Calenda, although it's possible the Nigerian arrives on a permanent transfer.

Osimhen has a release clause of just over £110million, however, and Chelsea would want to drive that price down for a deal to be done. PSG are also interested in the frontman so Blues transfer chiefs may need to act quickly if they want to get a deal done.

Samu Omorodion signs

Another striker who has been on Chelsea's list of targets is Samu Omorodion. According to The Athletic the Blues have agreed a £34.5million deal with Atletico Madrid to sign the 20-year-old.

The striker is set to sign a seven-year deal with the Blues, it's claimed. Omorodion spent last season on loan at La Liga outfit Deportivo Alaves, where he scored nine goals and provided one assist.

Omorodion will offer immediate competition to Nicolas Jackson, who impressed in his debut season with the Blues but was perhaps played more than first thought. It's claimed that Omorodion's arrival will not impact the potential deal for Osimhen.

Sterling and Nkunku roles

Noni Madueke looks to have locked down the right wing position at Chelsea and you would think that would mean Cole Palmer is moved inside to the No.10 role once he regains full fitness. The left wing position is still up for debate, however.

Raheem Sterling started on the left against Real Madrid on Tuesday but was replaced in the second half by Mykhailo Mudryk. Both players failed to set the world alight which may mean Christopher Nkunku gets the nod for Chelsea's league opener against Man City.

While his best position is perhaps more centrally, Nkunku does have experience playing on the left and could be given a run of games to show his quality. Maresca does like his wingers to cut inside and Nkunku will score lots of goals if he is given the chance.

Lukaku among six players to exit

While a few players could still arrive at Stamford Bridge this summer, it's clear several current members of the Blues squad need to be moved on. Chelsea have an abundance of attacking talent and some need to be sold and others need to head out on loan.

Romelu Lukaku should be one of the first the west Londoners try to move on as it just hasn't worked out for the Belgian since he returned to the club for a second time. Napoli are said to be interested in the 31-year-old and the move may even help with Osimhen coming the other way.

Armando Broja also has no future at Chelsea and the Albanian was not even included in the squad for the friendly against Madrid despite being fit and available. The striker failed to make an impact on loan at Fulham in the second half of last season but the Blues should ideally try and find a permanent buyer for the 22-year-old.

There are also a handful of attacking players who may benefit from a loan move. Marc Guiu, David Fofana, Angelo Gabriel and Deivid Washington fall into this category as they may benefit from regular first team minutes elsewhere this campaign.