In the latest reports coming out of the Nigerian football news scene via England, Premier League side Chelsea are considering halting their chase of AFCON qualifiers 2023 top scorer Victor Osimhen.
The Blues, like several other clubs, have been told that prying the Scudetto winner from Napoli would cost them over £100 million. The move will not only see them pay a gargantuan amount to the 2022/23 Italian Serie A champions, but it would see them adjust their wage budget to accommodate a new high-maintenance player.
Osimhen was their primary transfer target up until the revelation of this information.
🚨 Chelsea are set to put a move for Victor Osimhen on hold as they believe agreeing a deal with Napoli would be too difficult this summer.
(Source: @footyinsider24) pic.twitter.com/H0SgI281bX
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 12, 2023
Deal for Osimhen too hard to do, sources say
Goalball Live understands that the management of Chelsea are not entirely pulling away from the deal but that they are putting it off.
Napoli's asking price for the AFCON 2023 golden boot hopeful was £150 million before the confirmation of their Serie A title win but information suggests that they could demand more for the Nigeria national football team striker.
There is also the statement attributed to Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis in the wake of the Scudetto celebrations with the players and the fans. The 73-year-old film and sports business mogul said “No” when asked by reporters if the club will listen to offers for Osimhen this summer.
🇳🇬🫡 The goal that did it. That moment. Victor Osimhen officially writes himself in Napoli history. pic.twitter.com/FFIpHndzA2
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) May 5, 2023
Football Insider, the source of the reports, claim that Chelsea's current struggles in the league which has contributed to a reduction in income will not avail them with the funds to push the transfer of De Laurentiis eventually comes round.
Chelsea's main focus will be the integration of Mauricio Pochettino as manager in the summer and a huge clear out to trim their bloated squad and reduce their wage budget.
Victor Osimhen meanwhile, could be waiting a little longer to achieve his dream of playing in the Premier League.
Osimhen injury record a risk for Manchester United, sources claim
Manchester United remains a destination for the Super Eagles forward but the club also have Harry Kane in their sights, which slightly reduces his chances.
The Red Devils will spend around the same amount for either striker but Kane's Premier League experience will count for more. Osimhen's injury record for the Partenopei is a factor that the 20-time English football top flight champions are looking at to make a final decision.
Luckily for Victor Osimhen, he has no shortage of admirers. The Nigeria national football team ace is curre tly the subject of a rift between Paris Saint-Germain director of football Luis Campos and the club's ownership. He is also courted by clubs across Europe.
Staying at Napoli remains a viable option, however, thanks to the amazing feat he achieved for the club. The Super Eagles man was the main character in the club's run up to the Scudetto this season, scoring 22 goals to win the title.
He has been shown so much love by the city and currently has his likeness in the form of a wonderfully drawn mural by local celebrity artist PEMArt in the Castel Volturno area of the city.
This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago
