Chelsea have moved closer to securing the signing of Victor Osimhen from Napoli with the Blues prepared to include a mandatory purchase option in the loan deal.
The West Londoners are locked in talks with Napoli to sign the forward before Friday’s 11pm (BST) transfer deadline for Premier League clubs, following a lengthy pursuit of the player.
Osimhen is desperate to leave Napoli before the window shuts and has interest from the Premier League and Saudi Arabia.
Al-Hilal submit mammoth offer for Osimhen
Al-Hilal have submitted a formal offer in excess of £55m for the Nigeria international and are reportedly prepared to offer Osimhen a salary of up to £25m net per season – the equivalent to around £480,000 per week.
The forward had shown initial reluctance to move to the Saudi Pro League at this stage of his career, though will consider the deal if European options do not arrive. He would demand a release clause in any contract with Al-Hilal.
Chelsea make decision on Osimhen transfer
Chelsea are unable to match the offer from the Saudi side and Osimhen’s wage expectations have so far stalled a deal, despite the player’s preference for a Premier League move.
However, Fabrizio Romano has revealed Chelsea are prepared to include an obligatory purchase clause in their loan move for Osimhen, which edges them closer to a deal. Osimhen had been reluctant to leave on loan without the guarantee of a permanent transfer.
Al-Hilal have sent a delegation to Italy in a bid to persuade Osimhen to move to the Saudi Pro League, though he is giving priority to Chelsea if a deal can be done. Enzo Maresca has made clear his desire for a new centre-forward and Chelsea have just over 24 hours to conclude a deal.
Why do Chelsea want to sign Victor Osimhen?
Maresca has needed to trim an inflated squad at Chelsea, though centre-forward is a position that Chelsea lack depth. Nicolas Jackson is the only out-and-out option who remains a part of the plans for the new head coach, with Romelu Lukaku’s exit to be announced imminently and Armando Broja free to leave Stamford Bridge.
Osimhen has developed a reputation as one of Europe’s best number nines at Napoli, where he has scored 77 goals in 136 appearances. He was the league’s leading scorer as Napoli won Serie A in 2022/23 and was named Italy’s Player of the Season in the process.
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