Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Luke Weir

Chelsea target Victor Osimhen drops huge transfer hint amid Manchester United interest

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is said to be the subject of transfer interest from Chelsea and Todd Boehly. The Nigerian forward has made a name for himself this campaign as being one of the most prolific strikers in Europe, having scored 21 goals in 26 appearances for the Italian side.

His goals, 19 of which have come in the league, along with four assists have helped fire Napoli into a commanding position at the top of the Serie A table, 15 points clear of second place side Inter Milan. Meanwhile, the Blues are in dire need of a clinical number nine this summer, having scored just five goals in 12 games in 2023.

With Romelu Lukaku unlikely to stay at Stamford Bridge when he returns from his loan spell, while both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz have struggled for form in front of goal this season, Osimhen has been tipped by many to be the man to solve Graham Potter’s problems. Now, the 24-year-old has dropped a hint to his next destination when the time comes for him to depart Napoli.

READ MORE: Mateo Kovacic drops key Graham Potter formation hint ahead of Chelsea vs Borussia Dortmund

Receiving the Foreign Press Award in Rome, Osimhen discussed his future beyond this campaign. He identified England’s top league as a “dream” destination, and refused to rule out a move.

“I’m working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League one day,” he said. “It’s a process and I just want to keep on this momentum, Serie A is in one of the top five leagues in the world and it’s an amazing feeling for me.”

The Nigerian is one of the best finishers in Europe this term and has all the attributes needed to thrive in the Premier League given his height, pace and physicality. However, Chelsea will face stiff competition to land the striker’s signature this summer, with Premier League rivals Manchester United also reportedly keen on the sought-after attacker.

According to Calciomercato, Erik ten Hag has made signing Osimhen his number one priority this summer with United being another side in desperate need of a new striker. The price could also prove a sticking point for the Chelsea hierarchy who have already spent over £600million on new signings in just two transfer windows since completing their takeover last year.

The same report claims Boehly is willing to double Osimhen's current €4.5million (£3.9million) salary in order to beat United to his signature. Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis has slapped a price tag of €130million (£115million) on his star striker in the hopes of keeping hold of Osimhen for another season before he enters the final year of his contract.

It therefore seems likely Chelsea will need to pay another British record transfer to land Osimhen his “dream” move. This would come a matter of months after the club already broke that particular record, when they landed Enzo Fernandez for £107million in January.

READ NEXT:

Every word Graham Potter said on Chelsea win, substitutions, Koulibaly, Fofana, Chilwell, more

Todd Boehly told to make ruthless Graham Potter sack decision despite Chelsea win against Leeds

Graham Potter discovers N'Golo Kante alternative in Leeds win ahead of Chelsea injury return

Paul Merson tells Graham Potter how to turn Chelsea fortunes around with one major change

Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.