Chelsea’s pursuit of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has hit a snag, potentially prompting the club to expedite a deal for the striker, according to confirmed reports from TEAMtalk.
As the January transfer window approaches, Chelsea is gearing up for another active period and is particularly focused on bolstering their striking options. The need for an experienced No.9 has been apparent for the club as they aim to accumulate more points and climb the Premier League table.
Victor Osimhen of Napoli has been a long-standing favorite for Chelsea, with the club expressing admiration for over a year. However, the situation may force Chelsea to accelerate their efforts, given the increasing interest from multiple clubs eyeing a summer approach for the Nigerian striker.
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Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu, are keen on making a bold move to bring Osimhen to the Emirates Stadium. Additionally, sources in Spain suggest that Real Madrid is monitoring the striker’s situation and could be tempted to make a move.
Chelsea has encountered a similar scenario in the past, notably with the signing of Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in the January window of 2023. The club moved swiftly to secure the midfielder amid competition, wary of potential price hikes or losing out to more lucrative offers.
With the potential for a complex negotiation with Napoli, known for their shrewd business practices, Chelsea may be compelled to act in the winter window to stay ahead of competing clubs. The club’s hierarchy, especially with the involvement of Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali, has a history of getting deals done, as seen in the Moises Caicedo saga during the summer.
A substantial winter deal, possibly around £120 million, could materialize if Chelsea perceives a threat to the move. Additionally, sources close to Osimhen suggest that he is interested in a move to the London side.
Osimhen’s contract with Napoli extends until 2025, having joined from Lille in 2020. The striker played a crucial role in Napoli’s league-winning campaign last season, scoring 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances. In the current season, Osimhen has netted six goals in nine league appearances, despite missing some recent fixtures due to a hamstring injury.