Chelsea have been dealt a transfer blow after Al-Ahli agreed a stunning double deal to sign Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney.
Chelsea have been linked with signing both players before Friday’s 11pm transfer deadline for Premier League clubs, though face missing out on the duo.
Al-Ahli waiting on Osimhen decision
Al-Ahli have agreed a package with Napoli worth in the region of £67m for Osimhen, who will earn a salary of around £25m net per season should he give the green light to a move to the Middle East.
The contract will include a requested release clause of less than €100m (£84m) according to Fabrizio Romano, to facilitate a future move back to Europe.
The 25-year-old has been hesitant to move to the Saudi Pro League at this stage of his career, though Chelsea have struggled to agree terms with Osimhen’s camp due to the player’s wage demands.
Chelsea’s offer for Osimhen is a loan with an obligation to make the move permanent, though a newly implemented wage structure at the club has complicated their pursuit.
Al-Ahli reach £40m Toney agreement
Al-Ahli have also agreed a £40m fee with Brentford for Ivan Toney. The 28-year-old has not been selected this season as he looks for an exit from the Bees, having expressed his desire for a new challenge.
The England international has entered the final season of his contract in West London and Brentford have reluctantly accepted his exit.
Toney will now undergo a medical with Al-Ahli ahead of a proposed move to Saudi Arabia, where he could link up with ex-Premier League names Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino and Edouard Mendy in the Saudi side’s squad.
Toney has scored 72 goals in 141 appearances for Brentford but missed eight months last season due to a ban for breaching gambling rules.
According to The Athletic, it is unclear whether Al-Ahli intend to sign both forwards or have struck the two deals as contingency options. The deadline for Saudi transfers is not until next month.
