Chelsea have been handed a huge boost towards the signing of Victor Osimhen, with Mauricio Pochettino eager to further bolster his frontline this summer. The 24-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a big move to the Premier League recently following his title-winning performances for Napoli.
Osimhen featured 32 times for the Italian giants in Serie A this season, scoring 26 goals. While Napoli are, understandably, desperate to hold onto the Nigeria international, football.london understands that the Blues are considering a bid which could demand a record-breaking fee.
The west Londoners have struggled to truly replace Didier Drogba, and only Diego Costa or Olivier Giroud have managed to enjoy a slice of his success. Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are expected to depart this summer, so Pochettino is said to be in the market for a new talisman.
With Osimhen's contract at Napoli set to expire in 18-months, he naturally becomes an attractive option – whether he becomes available for a discounted fee next year or simply a free agent in 2025. And, the Scudetto champions understand that they're at risk of losing him for far less than he's worth.
According to Italian publication Il Matino, Osimhen is refusing to sign a new deal with Napoli after receiving offers from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. The report states that his agent, Roberto Calenda, recently held a meeting with the club's owner, Aurelio de Laurentiis, regarding his client's future.
Following Napoli's draw with Bologna last month, Luciano Spalletti was quizzed on the Nigerian's future by DAZN. As quoted by Football Italia, the former Napoli boss said: "When players start working in a certain way, you identify their characteristics and find paths to give them service.
READ MORE: Chelsea transfer news LIVE: Kai Havertz to Arsenal, Kylian Mbappe contact, Pochettino fire sale
"Osimhen is good in open spaces, in the air, with the ball passed to his feet. He will have an important future, no matter what team he plays in, and is above all a good lad too.
"His teammates love him, he helps them out and resolves situations rather than complains. He will become even more of a top player in future."
READ NEXT:
Newcastle eye stunning £50m transfer after Chelsea comments in Mauricio Pochettino blow
Arsenal can sign their very own Eden Hazard this summer if Edu sanctions £70m transfer
