Recently, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis dealt a major blow to Chelsea’s pursuit of prized frontman Victor Osimhen. Addressing reporters, De Laurentiis asserted that Osimhen was on the verge of signing a contract extension at Napoli that was proposed last summer. This revelation emerged amidst reports of Chelsea identifying the Nigerian superstar as their primary transfer target and reasonably dampened hopes among the Chels’ faithful. However, according to reputable transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Blues fans should hold onto optimism as Osimhen’s future still hangs ambiguously in the balance.
Hopes raised by Fabrizio Romano in Chelsea’s Victor Osimhen pursuit.
Although a new contract at Napoli remains on the table for Victor Osimhen, Romano states in his exclusive daily briefing that options remain “all open”. While Napoli are persistent that Osimhen will stay, the ball is completely in the Nigerian star’s court, keeping the door cracked open for a prospective move to West London.
Despite Nicolas Jackson possessing all the qualities to become Chelsea’s permanent No.9 option, with Osimhen there’s no question about potential, the 24 year old is already the complete package. If CFC are to exorbitantly spend once again next year, breaking the bank for the Nigerian striker should be money well spent. Last season, Osimhen led Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years, marshaling the Gli Azzuri’s frontline with 26 league goals and five assists. Unlike Jackson, Osimhen also boasts lethal and consistent finishing in front of goal, a quality the Blues have been direly lacking for years.
Should the Nigerian international opt against signing a contract extension at Napoli, Chelsea emerge as one of his top suitors. Osimhen has publicly stated that his idol is legendary Chelsea striker Didier Drogba and it is reported that the marksman would be open to a move to Stamford Bridge. The hassle for the Blues would be negotiating a fee for Osimhen’s departure. Figures as high as €150m have been quoted by Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis and the Italian owner is notoriously known for hard balling on transfer fees. The truth is though, until pen is officially put on paper by Victor Osimhen to extend his stay in Naples, Chelsea remain in contention to acquire the services of one of the best strikers in the world.