Victor Osimhen is expected to seal a departure from Napoli in the summer transfer window. Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal and Chelsea have all been linked to the Nigeria international over the last few months, however interest may have dwindled after he struggled to match his stunning performances from the 2022/23 season in the most recent campaign.
From 32 appearances in all competitions Osimhen managed 17 goals, which was 14 less than his tally from Napoli’s Scudetto-winning season. Nonetheless, there is still some interest in Osimhen although the £113million release clause inserted into his new contract, signed just over six months ago, could complicate matters.
Both aforementioned London clubs are looking to sign a new striker while PSG are in the market to find the perfect Kylian Mbappe replacement.
Personal terms ‘agreement’
Osimhen has agreed to terms in principle with PSG in what would be a rapid development. It’s claimed that a five-year, €14 million/year deal is on the cards and that Osimhen has already rejected an offer from Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli due to his preference of staying in Europe.
Osimhen training boost
Osimhen has reportedly decided to stop training with the Napoli team this summer in the hopes it’ll force a move to one of Europe’s top teams over the next few weeks. The report also claims that PSG aren’t willing to pay the star’s full release clause of €130m (£110m), meaning there could be a window where the Blues could splash out on the forward which would not go against their character in the transfer market over the last few seasons.
PSG confident after meeting
PSG are reportedly becoming ‘increasingly confident’ that they can secure Osimhen’s services this summer in what would be a €100million (£84m) deal. After seeing star forward Kylian Mbappe unveiled at Real Madrid yesterday, the Ligue 1 champions are set to ramp up their business over the next few weeks which could see them win the race for the Nigeria international.
Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda flew to Paris to speak directly with PSG, a meeting which is believed to have ‘yielded positive results’. This still doesn’t mean the Blues are out of the race right now, but it may mean they need to get their act together and quickly if they want to stay in it.
Chelsea look to ‘progress’ deal
Chelsea are now reportedly looking to ‘progress’ their hopes to sign Osimhen this summer. According to CaughtOffside, the Blues are going back in for Osimhen after they’d previously decided to avoid the Nigerian due to his massive release clause earlier this year.
With just two years left on his current deal though, it remains to be seen how Chelsea will manage to secure the star, although reports suggest that Romelu Lukaku could be part of a player-plus-cash deal that’d see him turn out for Napoli ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Maresca stance
Enzo Maresca has hinted about the likelihood of more signings given Chelsea have made five so far this summer, and has claimed that he believes the squad he has at his disposal is already full of talent, indicating a big splash in the market may not be his style so early into his stint at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking in his first club interview in early July, he said: “I’m very excited. One of the reasons I’m here is because I’m convinced the squad is very good and full of talent. The most important thing now is we’re able to create the right culture that drives us for the season.
“I always say the same: if you are able to improve players then you are able to improve the team. So it’s our target to try to improve all of them day by day.”
£113m problem
As briefly mentioned above, Arsenal do not have the available finances to seal a deal for Osimhen. Spending over £200million last summer has left the Gunners treading carefully to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Final Chelsea decision
Chelsea looked to be in pole position to sign Osimhen, however that is certainly no longer the case.
As per multiple reports, the Blues are no longer looking to sign the striker with the club unwilling to pay his release clause. Concerns over his injury record and whether or not he would fit Enzo Maresca’s play style have also impacted their decision.
