Oluwatosin Enesi
Osimhen, 25, has attracted significant interest from several top clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Chelsea, and teams from Saudi Arabia.
However, a transfer is proving difficult due to the €130 million release clause in his contract, signed last December.
Additionally, the striker’s €10 million annual salary, one of the highest in Serie A, presents another obstacle.
While Chelsea was initially seen as the frontrunner, a source close to the player, Suleiman Adebayo Pooja, has revealed that a move to Stamford Bridge is now unlikely.
According to Adebayo, Chelsea’s offer was only for a loan deal with an option to buy, which does not meet Osimhen’s or Napoli’s preferences.
“He’s not moving to Chelsea on loan, [only if] they come up with a permanent deal, which is the only preferred option,” Adebayo said.
He further explained that even if Chelsea were to cover the player’s salary during a loan spell, the heavy taxation would result in a significant salary reduction for Osimhen.
With Chelsea seemingly out of the race, Arsenal, PSG, and Saudi Arabian clubs remain the most viable options for the Nigerian striker.
“The other options are Saudi Arabia, Arsenal [or] PSG, but it must be on permanent deal.
Adebayo confirmed that a permanent move to one of these destinations is likely before the transfer deadline on August 31.
“I can assure you that he’ll move before August 31, because he’s not playing for Napoli anymore,” Adebayo stated.
Since his arrival from Lille in 2020, Osimhen has been a key figure for Napoli, scoring 76 goals in 133 appearances for the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium’s giants.
His 26 goals in 32 league appearances during the 2022/2023 season played a crucial role in Napoli’s Serie A title victory.
The 25-year-old striker also scored five more in six Champions League appearances. He won the Capocannoniere, and CAF African Footballer of the year award
However, last season proved more difficult for Osimhen due to injuries and his two-month absence while representing Nigeria in their run to the Africa Cup of Nations Final.
Despite these setbacks, he still managed to score 15 goals in 25 Serie A appearances and netted twice in six Champions League matches.
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