With only a few weeks left in the transfer window, Napoli are growing impatient in their attempt to sell Victor Osimhen to Chelsea. However, the Blues are currently focusing on buying Atletico Madrid striker, Samu Omorodion. Despite this primary focus, talks related to Osimhen continue, with club officials firm that signing Omorodion does not rule out the possibility of securing him as well.
Osimhen is equally keen to leave Napoli before the transfer window ends. Recent reports suggest his difficulty in how he was out of Napoli’s pre-season squad and missed one of Antonio Conte’s first friendlies. This exclusion shows the Serie A club’s urgent need to sell the striker. The club finds it hard to afford the wages they promised to Osimhen under a new deal aimed at setting a higher sale price.
Currently, no European club appears willing to meet Napoli’s £85 million valuation for Osimhen. This situation is likely to force Napoli to further reduce their asking price as the deadline is nearby. Initially, Napoli wanted £170 million for Osimhen, a massive sum in today’s market. Chelsea’s willingness to proceed with the deal will hinge on whether they perceive the reduced price as good value.
Complications Cloud Osimhen’s Move
Osimhen and his agent are said to be frustrated with Napoli’s focus on getting a new striker before allowing him to leave. While Chelsea’s interest in Osimhen is well known, the club are yet to make their first step in signing him in this transfer window.
Recent reports indicate that Napoli might lower their asking price to £70 million if the deal includes Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku. Lukaku, valued at £37 million by Chelsea, is Napoli’s top target to replace Osimhen. Chelsea is eager to get rid of Lukaku and would consider including him in a deal for Osimhen. However, they remain hesitant to meet Napoli’s demands directly and are currently finding ways to strike a loan move. Osimhen’s agent has expressed doubts about such an arrangement, but some sources believe it is not entirely out of the question.
As the transfer window’s end nears, Chelsea hope Osimhen’s entourage may become more amenable to a loan move, specially if it includes obligations related to his performance. The London club also believe Napoli might lower their demands in their wish to integrate Lukaku into their squad for the next Serie A season.
One potential complication for Chelsea is the interest in Osimhen from PSG. The French club have reportedly agreed on personal terms with the 25-year-old. If Napoli show an interest in reducing their demands for Chelsea, PSG might get on with a deal of their own. However, PSG is on a backfoot as they do not have anyone to offer as part of the deal.
Read More:- Napoli striker can finally make his Premier League move
Chelsea’s Transfer Strategy
Reports suggest that Chelsea will not compromise their wage structure to secure Osimhen. In any case, the club is willing to offer a huge salary provided it fits within their incentive-driven pay scale. Chelsea’s wage proposals would involve a basic salary during seasons without Champions League football, along with performance-related bonuses to enhance player earnings over time. Any new signing would need to agree to this form of pay model.
Personal terms are nearly agreed upon with Samu, who is expected to make a move to Chelsea soon. However, Osimhen’s future is still up in the air. Chelsea will wait and see if they can finalize a deal for both strikers, aiming to bolster their attacking options. As the new season is knocking on the door, the situation surrounding Victor Osimhen’s potential move to Chelsea remains fluid. Napoli’s financial limits and efforts to sell him, Chelsea’s shrewd interest, and the potential problems from PSG’s presence, all add to a complex and evolving narrative. The final weeks of the transfer window will be crucial in deciding where Osimhen will play next season. Whether Chelsea can secure both him and Omorodion to add more rigour to their squad will be clear in the coming days.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
