Oluwatosin Enesi
According to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, the Blues have presented an official bid to the player’s agent, Roberto Calenda, while formal talks with Napoli began yesterday, Wednesday 28th August, 2024.
Osimhen has already informed Napoli of his desire to leave, and it remains to be seen if all parties can reach an agreement before the August 31 transfer deadline.
Meanwhile, Chelsea outcast Lukaku is on the cusp of completing his move to the former Serie A champions. The Belgian striker travelled to Naples for his medical on Wednesday before signing the contract papers.
Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli had also approached Osimhen with a lucrative offer, which was verified on social media by Calenda, who maintained his client has no plans to leave Europe at this stage of his career.
Chelsea are desperate to add a quality striker before the window closes and have also identified Brentford’s Ivan Toney as an alternative if they fail to land Osimhen.
The Nigeria international has been a consistent standout performer for Napoli since joining them from Lille in 2020, netting 76 goals in 133 appearances over the past three seasons. He was recently crowned African Footballer of the Year and finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
Despite interests from clubs in Saudi Arabia, including a reported €70m offer from Al-Ahli, the 25-year-old remains focused on continuing his career in Europe. His current Napoli contract, which includes a €130m release clause, runs until June 2026.Chelsea face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for Osimhen’s signature. The French champions had previously reached a preliminary agreement with the striker earlier this summer.
As the transfer saga unfolds, Osimhen continues to train separately from the Napoli squad.
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