Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is moving towards a Saudi Pro League transfer despite being linked with a summer move to Chelsea.
Osimhen will be allowed to leave Napoli this summer and the Nigerian forward has attracted interest from the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and PSG. However, none of the clubs are willing to pay Napoli’s asking price.
Chelsea are now set to miss out on the Nigerian forward with Al-Ahli closing in on a €65m transfer agreement with Napoli.
According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Napoli are ironing out a total package for Osimhen worth in excess of €65 million (£55m/$73m) that would see him join Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The deal between the clubs is described as “almost done, pending small details”.
Victor Osimhen (Photo by Matteo Ciambelli / DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Romano adds that Osimhen is asking for an “important salary” and demands that any contract contains a release clause. If he doesn’t accept the terms on offer, it would derail the whole deal.
However, Sky Sports reported that Osimhen would still prefer a move to Europe.
Chelsea are still on the hunt for a new striker and new manager Enzo Maresca is not ruling out such move: “If we have the chance to bring in a nine that can help us and make the difference, then we are going to try. Otherwise, we are okay. We do not need to sign players just to sign players.”
Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu are currently the recognized striker in Chelsea and the London club have just four days until the summer transfer deadline for Premier League clubs, which means they will need to act fast if they want a new forward.
