Chelsea are likely to miss out on Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen on deadline day after an agreement was reached between the Italian club and Al-Ahli – but have been handed a boost to their chances of signing him.
football.london understands that the two teams have finally agreed on a deal for the striker, giving the Saudi Pro League side the advantage over Chelsea. The Blues could still complete the signing, but it seems increasingly unlikely.
Enzo Maresca’s men made a late bid for Osimhen after weeks of talks with Napoli. That offer is thought to have been for an initial loan but with an obligation to buy the Nigerian next summer.
In an attempt to get their priority forward over the line before the Friday deadline, Chelsea co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart travelled to Napoli on Thursday night to proceed with negotiations.
The decision remains down to Osimhen and whether he wants to leave Europe for the Middle East. However, earlier this week, the striker’s agent played down a move to Saudi Arabia and hinted that his preference would be to remain in the continent.
“Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed with mutual satisfaction,” football agent Roberto Calenda said. “He made history and when there were major offers (also this year) we always accepted the club’s decisions.
