Victor Osimhen emerged as a target for Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window, but a move to west London looks unlikely now. The 24-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea as Mauricio Pochettino looks to further bolster his attacking options this summer.
He featured 32 times in a title-winning Serie A campaign last season, netting 26 times. While Napoli are, understandably, desperate to hold onto the Nigeria international, football.london understands that the Blues have not been put off by their stubborn stance.
With Osimhen's contract expiring in 2025, Chelsea may have to remain patient if they want to secure his signature. But, there's no guarantee that another club won't swoop in first. So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest news regarding Osimhen and his future ahead of the summer...
'Obscene' stance
Aurelio de Laurentiis has insisted that Victor Osimhen will not leave Napoli unless the Italian outfit receives an 'obscene offer'. He said: "We will see Victor Osimhen wearing our shirt next season, that's for sure. If a more than obscene offer arrives, we will move on and find another top talent, just like we did with [Khvicha] Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen."
Napoli contract offer
TuttoNapoli have now stated that Osimhen may sign a new contract with the Italian outfit as Napoli look to end speculation that the Nigerian striker could complete a transfer to the Premier League this summer. Chelsea are thought to be monitoring a number of options - including the likes of Osimhen and Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic - and could face competition from Manchester United for the Nigerian's signature.
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Spalletti hint
Speaking to DAZN, as quoted by Football Italia, Spalletti claimed that Osimhen will have a bright future regardless of what team he plays for. The Napoli boss said: "When players start working in a certain way, you identify their characteristics and find paths to give them service.
"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."
Chelsea scouts keeping tabs
According to Il Mattino, Chelsea sent scouts to watch Osimhen in Napoli's defeat to Monza.
Osimhen race
Sky Sports Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed Victor Osimhen will cost €150million this summer. That astronomical fee would shatter the British transfer record - set by Chelsea when they signed Enzo Fernandez in January.
The Blues and Manchester United are reportedly the two English clubs willing to stump up that fee to sign the Napoli striker. Manchester City are also in that bracket but, owing to Erling Haaland's brilliance, are not in the hunt for a goalscorer.
"Aurelio De Laurentiis wants €150million for Osimhen.," Di Marzio said. "It's an initial request. I think that the only two clubs in the Premier League that can try to get Victor Osimhen are Chelsea and Man United. In Ligue 1, PSG. I think Bayern Munich are out of this race."
Osimhen message
Osimhen issued a firm response when asked about his future following the Italian outfit's Serie A title success. The Nigeria international scored 27 goals and provided a further five assists in 34 appearances this term with Chelsea and Manchester United both interested in signing the 24-year-old this summer.
"I just want to enjoy this incredible title. I can’t wait to return to Napoli and hug the fans - I’m so happy for them."
United verdict
Manchester United opened the way for Chelsea to sign Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen this summer. According to Sky Germany, Erik ten Hag's side are currently pushing the hardest to sign Eintracht Frankfurt's Randal Kolo Muani this summer instead of the Napoli star.
United are in the market for a new striker after mutually agreeing to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo's contract at Old Trafford prior to the World Cup in Qatar. The report adds that Ten Hag 'ranks' Kolo Muani higher than Osimhen, suggesting he could very well be the Dutchman's first choice.
Bayern stance
According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Bayern have cooled their interest in Osimhen due to his hefty price tag. Thomas Tuchel's side have reportedly refused to pay more than £88.2million for the forward and will consider possible alternatives.
PSG and Bayern interest
European giants PSG and Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign Osimhen, according to Calciomercato.com.
It's said that the two clubs are keen on the striker and will allow the 24 year-old to make a decision on his future himself. However, it's reported that he's tempted by Bayern's project, and has a soft spot for the German giants.
Talks squashed
Osimhen's camp have squashed claims that any discussions over a move have not yet happened. Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, via Fabrizio Romano, their statement read: "Fake news. It’s early to discuss a transfer."
Premier League certainty
Former Chelsea midfielder Geremi has claimed that Napoli star Victor Osimhen is almost certain to play in the Premier League.
“We will see Victor come and play in the Premier League in the future," he told Lord Ping. "It would be very good news for the Premier League because you want to see the world’s best players play in the league, and he is certainly one of them. I think the fans would love his style too.
"There is no doubt that he would be a great addition to the league and any team that wants to sign him. I am certain that a big club will take him. He has reached the top level after what he has achieved for Napoli this season, so we know he will be expensive, but he is worth it.
"He needs to find the right club and project, but every single big club in England would love to take him. I think he will make the move.”
Drogba comparison
Having previously revealed his childhood idol was Didier Drogba, the Nigeria international has now admitted he hopes to emulate the ex-Chelsea striker on the global stage.
Asked whether he saw himself as the Drogba, who represented Ivory Coast for more than a decade, of Nigerian football, Osimhen told TV broadcaster PSL: "I have huge belief that I have even more to give than I am doing now, and I think it's a process so I'm really working so hard towards this and to be able to do what Didier Drogba has done for his country and do the same for the Super Eagles.
"And I'm really working so hard, we have a great squad, I think with the help of my teammates I can really be at that level," he told NFF TV. "My childhood idol is Didier Drogba.
"When I scored against Chelsea. The feeling because I know a lot of my friends that are Chelsea fans and before the game they messaged that they don't care if Chelsea beat Lille 5-1 or 5-2 as long as I score. They wanted me to actualise my dream and that’s one of the best moments in my career."
€150m price tag
Napoli are said to be braced for a huge amount of offers for their talisman at the end of the season and have prepared for any bids by slapping a £150m valuation on the striker.
That's according to Il Mattino, who claim the Serie A leaders are desperate to hold of the striker and are hoping the big asking price will put the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal off.
The report insists Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is not interested in sitting down with any club who offers a penny short of the asking price.
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