Victor Osimhen issues firm response to transfer speculation as Chelsea face £100m Napoli demand
Napoli star Victor Osimhen has issued a firm response when asked about his future following the Italian outfit’s Serie A title success. The Nigeria international has 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.
The Blues are in desperate need of a new striker ahead of next season after their poor goalscoring record in the Premier League this term. Chelsea have scored just 31 goals in 33 games so far this season and remain languishing down in the bottom half of the table – just nine points clear of the relegation zone. Todd Boehly is set to overhaul the senior squad with a number of players set to be sold as he looks to add world- class reinforcements in key positions after a nightmare 2022/23 campaign.
United are said to be prioritising a move for Randal Kolo Muani ahead of Osimhen – handing Chelsea a huge boost in their pursuit of the Napoli striker. The Italian outfit are set to demand a fee in the region of £100million for Osimhen with his contract set to expire in 2025. The Nigerian has been one of the best finishers in Europe this season and has all the attributes needed to thrive in the Premier League given his height, pace and physicality.
A report from Calciomercato stated that Boehly is willing to double Osimhen’s current €4.5million (£3.9million) salary in order to beat United to his signature this summer. The Blues will be without European football next term, which may hamper their ability to convince Osimhen that a move to Stamford Bridge is the right decision – especially after a spectacular season with Napoli as they lifted the Serie A title.
The 24-year-old equalised for Luciano Spaletti’s side as they drew 1-1 against Udinese – moving them 16 points clear of second-placed Lazio with just five games left to play this term. Moments after Napoli won their first Serie A title in 33 years, Osimhen was asked about his future, to which he responded:
“It’s not the right time to discuss my future. “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.”
It’s clear that Osimhen is not focusing on transfer rumours linking him with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer – but with the Serie A title now settled, it may not be long until more updates emerge regarding the Nigerian’s future.
