Chelsea can still sign Osimhen or Toney on deadline day with two backup options

Chelsea's quest for a top-tier striker has taken an unexpected twist as the transfer window reaches its deadline. The club's hopes of signing either Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney seemed to be dashed when Al Ahli reportedly struck deals with Napoli and Brentford for the forwards according to Sky Sports. However, a crucial detail has emerged that could swing the pendulum back in Chelsea's favour.

Al Ahli's foreign player dilemma

Al Ahli's ambitious plans to acquire both Osimhen for £67.3 million and Toney for £40 million have encountered a significant hurdle due to the club's limited foreign player slots. With international stars like Riyad Mahrez, Roberto Firmino, and Edouard Mendy already on their roster, Al Ahli can accommodate only one more foreign player under current regulations. This constraint means they must choose between Osimhen and Toney, offering Chelsea a glimmer of hope.

Osimhen's hesitation opens door for Chelsea

Sources close to the situation indicate that Osimhen has not yet committed to a move to Saudi Arabia. The Nigerian international, who boasts an impressive record of 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli, appears hesitant about joining Al Ahli. This hesitation could provide Chelsea with an opportunity to make a last-minute push for the highly sought-after striker.

Toney edges closer to Al Ahli move

In contrast, Ivan Toney seems to be on the brink of finalising his transfer to Al Ahli. The Brentford striker, who has been absent from recent matches, is expected to sign a three-year contract with the Saudi club following a medical examination. This development suggests that Toney might be Al Ahli's preferred choice, potentially leaving the door open for Chelsea to pursue Osimhen.

Chelsea exploring alternative options

Aware of the unpredictable nature of transfer negotiations, Chelsea is not putting all its eggs in one basket. The club is reportedly exploring alternative options, including Aston Villa's Jhon Duran and Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Swap deals have been mentioned as a potential strategy to entice either Villa or Everton to the negotiating table, highlighting Chelsea's determination to secure a top-quality striker.

Race against the clock

With the transfer deadline looming, Chelsea finds itself in a race against time. The club must navigate the complexities of negotiations while remaining prepared for various scenarios. The outcome of Al Ahli's decision could trigger a domino effect, potentially leading to a last-minute triumph for the Blues.

Adding to the intrigue, the Saudi transfer window remains open until Monday, allowing Al Ahli more time to potentially offload one of their current foreign players to accommodate both Osimhen and Toney. This extended deadline introduces another layer of complexity to an already intricate situation.