Chelsea have been handed a boost in the club’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen with Galatasaray and Italian clubs priced out of a potential deal.
Osimhen is on loan at Galatasaray after a complicated summer involving his future. Despite interest from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli and Chelsea, the forward signed on loan for the Turkish champions late in the transfer window.
Al-Ahli and Chelsea were unable to agree deals for Osimhen, who was allowed to leave on loan for Istanbul after being exiled from the Napoli squad under Antonio Conte.
Osimhen, who was name Serie A Footballer of the Year during Napoli’s drought-breaking title success in 2022/23, has scored twice in three Turkish Süper Lig appearances this season.
Reports this week claimed Galatasaray were keen to sign Osimhen on a permanent basis, though TeamTalk have revealed those reports are false due to the finances involved in a potential deal.
That news offers a boost to Chelsea, who have kept Osimhen ‘top of their striker shortlist’ and have maintained contact with the player’s representatives to gauge his interest in a Premier League move.
Osimhen has previously spoken of his ‘dream’ to play in England and has cited Chelsea great Didier Drogba as a role model.
Nicolas Jackson has started the season in strong form for Chelsea but the Blues remain interested in adding another centre-forward to Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Osimhen can leave Napoli for €75m (£62.8m) in January, which is significantly lower than the fee demanded in the summer. The release clause is also not eligible for Italian clubs, which is likely to end Juventus’ hopes of signing the Nigeria international.
