Napoli star open to Stamford Bridge switch
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as they look to bolster their attacking options in the January transfer window. The 24-year-old Nigerian has been in fine form for the Serie A side this season, scoring six goals in 10 appearances. According to The Evening Standard, Chelsea are confident that Osimhen would be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge, as he is a fan of Blues legend Didier Drogba.
Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 for a club-record fee of €70 million. He has established himself as one of the most prolific and powerful forwards in Europe, attracting the attention of several top clubs. Chelsea are among the admirers of Osimhen, as they seek to provide Mauricio Pochettino with a proven goal-scorer. Nicolas Jackson, who arrived from Borussia Dortmund in the summer, has struggled to find his feet in the Premier League, scoring only seven goals in all competitions. The Blues are also said to be monitoring Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic as potential alternatives.
Osimhen rejected lucrative Saudi offer
Osimhen recently revealed that he was tempted by a huge offer from the Saudi Pro League, but decided to stay at Napoli instead. He told The Obi One Podcast: “The more I said no to these people [in Saudi Arabia] the more they increased it and increased it, it was literally like, ‘Wow’, seeing these things. I spoke with the people in charge and we spoke about it with my club and we saw what we could do, we decided, me and them and I told them, ‘I like these people, I want to stay, I don’t think I want to leave for now’. They understand where I’m coming from but they never gave up until their own transfer window [closed].”
Osimhen added that he had to make the decision that was good for his career, not just his bank account. “I said to them even before we played the first game of the season, ‘It’s done’, I really didn’t want to go back thinking, of course, it’s a huge one, an amazing one that’s going to change my life. But of course, I had to make the decision that’s good for my career too. As much as we play football for money there’s more that comes with it.”
Napoli value Osimhen at over £100 million
Osimhen is under contract with Napoli until 2025, and the Italian club value him at well over £100 million. They are unlikely to sell him in the January window, unless they receive an offer they cannot refuse. Chelsea may have to wait until next summer to make their move for Osimhen, who is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury. The Blues are also facing competition from other Premier League clubs, such as Manchester United and Liverpool, who have been linked with the Nigerian in the past.
Osimhen has previously stated that he would love to play in the Premier League, and that he supports Chelsea. He told The Independent in 2019: “I grew up as a Chelsea fan. I loved watching Didier Drogba play. He was an inspiration for me. I would love to play in the Premier League someday. It is a very competitive and attractive league. I think it would suit my style of play.”
