Chelsea's surprising decision to drop interest in prolific 25-year-old striker

Chelsea has reportedly dropped their interest in acquiring Napoli's prolific striker, Victor Osimhen, as part of their summer transfer plans. The 25-year-old Nigerian international, who impressed last season with 17 goals to his name, has been on the Blues' radar since the previous summer. However, sources within the club have revealed that Osimhen's age is the primary reason behind this unexpected decision.

As Chelsea aims to build a formidable team for the future, the club's focus has shifted towards acquiring younger players. With their current lead striker, Nicolas Jackson, being just 22 years old and Christopher Nkunku at 26, the prioritisation of youth has left some puzzled, considering Nkunku's age and the potential impact Osimhen could have made at Stamford Bridge. An anonymous club source expressed their bewilderment, stating,

"It's bizarre they are not going for Osimhen again just because they say he is 25. We signed Nkunku last season when he was around that same age, and Osimhen would have been a massive success for us. This team needs a proven goalscorer."

Despite facing setbacks due to injuries, Osimhen's impressive track record speaks volumes. Last season, he scored 15 goals in Serie A and two in the Champions League, attracting interest from several top clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Chelsea's search for a striker to complement Nicolas Jackson without hindering his progress has led them to consider options with more experience but who are content with managed game time.

This approach has seemingly ruled out a move for Osimhen, with the club unwilling to break their wage structure or meet Napoli's reported £113 million release clause.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed Chelsea's stance, stating on his YouTube channel,

"Chelsea has no intention to go for Victor Osimhen this summer, as of today this is my information, he's not a priority striker target for Chelsea, and it's not even a negotiation."

As Chelsea prepares to announce their new manager, Enzo Maresca, who has agreed to a five-year deal, the club's transfer strategy will be crucial in shaping their squad for the upcoming season. With links to younger talents such as Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, Chelsea may have a surprise target in mind to bolster their attacking options.

The decision to drop interest in Victor Osimhen has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, as the Nigerian striker enters the prime years of his career. It remains to be seen how Chelsea's youth-focused approach will impact their chances of returning to the Champions League and competing for top honours in the coming seasons.