Chelsea have been dealt a major transfer blow in their pursuit of Napoli star Victor Osimhen.
The Blues are expected to be very busy in the final few days of the summer transfer window, despite already welcoming 10 fresh faces to their squad, including Pedro Neto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tosin Adarabioyo.
Further acquisitions are not being ruled out at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Maresca making it clear that he would be keen for the club to sign a new No. 9 to lead the line as an alternative to Nicolas Jackson.
Osimhen has been identified as the ideal candidate to become Chelsea’s new marquee forward, with the Nigeria international making it no secret that he is keen to leave Napoli before deadline day.
The Blues are one of three sides in the race to secure his signature, though Osimhen reportedly would rather not join the cub as he is keen to join Paris Saint-Germain.
According to RMC Sport, the ex-Lille star is ‘not thrilled’ by the idea of joining Chelsea and has decided that PSG is his ‘preferred destination’. He is also entertaining the idea of heading to the Middle East.
Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli tabled a bid for the striker earlier this week and Osimhen is now negotiating a contract with the Middle Eastern outfit, though an agreement over wages is not imminent at this stage.
It is unclear whether Osimhen would be accepting of a move to Chelsea if PSG decide against reigniting their interest in acquiring his services, having previously seen negotiations with the Ligue 1 outfit collapse.
Todd Boehly may look to turn the head of Osimhen too knowing that he is available for a lesser fee than previously touted. Napoli have previously insisted that the 25-year-old will only leave the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium if his release clause, in excess of £100million, is activated by a suitor.
However, it is claimed that the Serie A side have now softened that stance and are open to entertaining offers for less – which could be the incentive that Chelsea needs to embark on a four-day mission to persuade Osimhen to be the face of their project in both the short and long term. If not, it remains to be seen whether alternatives will be pursued rather than splashing the cash on a player who is not truly keen to join the club.
