Chelsea’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen has gained momentum following a pivotal decision by Napoli and emerging issues for Enzo Maresca. The Blues have maintained interest in the Nigerian international for several years, and recent developments have brought the possibility of his transfer to Stamford Bridge back into the spotlight.
Last summer, Chelsea’s acquisition of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson cooled their interest in Osimhen. However, a favorable market opportunity has reignited the potential move. Napoli, under the management of Antonio Conte, is keen on signing Romelu Lukaku, leading to ongoing negotiations that could involve Osimhen.
Napoli’s Stance on Osimhen
Napoli remains firm that Osimhen will not be part of their squad for the upcoming season. The club has considered a season-long loan with an option to buy as a likely deal. Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was initially in talks to sign the 25-year-old, but negotiations stalled due to PSG’s reluctance to meet Napoli’s triple-figure asking price.
Despite being open to a return to France four years after leaving Lille, Osimhen’s potential move to PSG remains on hold. This delay has positioned Chelsea as the frontrunner for his signature, even though his agent, Roberto Calenda, has dismissed such claims.
Calenda tweeted, “I read about ‘fantasy exchanges’ with Victor… as if he was a package to be delivered quickly. This package is the top scorer of the third Scudetto in the history of Napoli. Respect and stop fake news!” Nonetheless, Osimhen is still expected to leave Napoli this summer, as evidenced by the club’s firm stance.
Osimhen Left Out of Pre-Season Friendly
In a recent pre-season friendly against Girona, Osimhen was notably absent from Conte’s squad, despite participating in the club’s training camp. This omission further signals Napoli’s intent to move him on, potentially clearing the way for Chelsea to secure the prolific striker.
Chelsea’s Striking Needs
Chelsea’s need for a striker has become more evident with Maresca seemingly preferring to deploy Christopher Nkunku in a wide or supporting role rather than as a central striker. In the absence of Nicolas Jackson due to injury, Marc Guiu has been leading the line. However, Jackson’s recent return to training provides some relief.
Adding Osimhen to Chelsea’s squad could significantly bolster their attacking options, offering a proven goal scorer to complement their current roster. Despite the temporary nature of a potential nine-month loan, his presence could be a game-changer for the west London club as they aim to enhance their offensive capabilities.
Conclusion
Chelsea’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen has gained traction amid Napoli’s firm decision to part ways with the striker. With PSG’s interest waning and Chelsea’s need for a top-tier striker becoming clearer, the Blues appear well-positioned to secure Osimhen’s services. As negotiations progress, Chelsea fans will be eagerly watching to see if the Nigerian star will soon be donning the blue jersey at Stamford Bridge.
