Chelsea could now sign Osimhen for cut-price fee after new twist - Sources

By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

1st Oct, 2023 | 8:00am

Sources: Chelsea could now sign Osimhen for cut-price fee after new twist

Chelsea could land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen for a cut-price fee next summer, sources have told Football Insider.

The Nigeria international is out of contract in Naples in June 2025, meaning he will have just a year remaining when next summer’s window rolls around.

Napoli are yet to make progress in contract talks with Osimhen, which has piqued the interest of potential suitors.

The Italian giants could be forced to accept a lower price for their prize asset in 2024 – having previously set their asking price at around £170million.

Football Insider revealed on Friday (29 September) that Chelsea could be the best-placed club to land the striker.

Tensions between Osimhen and Napoli are frayed after a series of social media videos were posted by the club about the forward following his penalty miss against Bologna.

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His agent has publicly threatened legal action against the Italian club – who have released a statement claiming there was “no intention of mockery or derision” with the posts.

Chelsea are long-term admirers of Osimhen, and their interest pre-dates the arrival of new boss Mauricio Pochettino.

It is believed they wanted to sign the striker last summer, in January and in the most recent summer window.

The hitman has already managed four goals in seven games across all competitions for Napoli this term.

He fired 31 goals across all competitions last season, helping Napoli to a first Serie A title since 1990.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are struggling for goals and sit 14th in the Premier League table with five points.

Big-money striker signing Christopher Nkunku could be out injured until the end of this year, while Nicolas Jackson is struggling to find his feet at the top of the Blues’ attack.

Football Insider revealed on Thursday (28 September) that Chelsea are keen to add a new striker in the January transfer window.

In other news, Chelsea plotting to sign replacement for first-team star in January.