Victor Osimhen to Chelsea Transfer Latest: ‘Official Offer’ Submitted by the Blues
Victor Osimhen to Chelsea Transfer Latest: ‘Official Offer’ Submitted by the Blues
The transfer saga surrounding Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen has taken a significant turn as Chelsea Football Club have reportedly submitted an official offer for the Nigerian international. The move marks a decisive step by the London-based club in their pursuit of one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards, signaling their intent to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2024-2025 season.
Chelsea’s interest in Victor Osimhen has been one of the major talking points of the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old forward, who played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A title triumph last season, has attracted attention from several top European clubs. However, it is Chelsea who have emerged as the frontrunners in the race for his signature.
The Blues, under the ownership of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, have been active in the transfer market as they look to reshape their squad following a disappointing 2023-2024 campaign. The need for a prolific striker has been a priority for new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, and Osimhen’s profile fits the bill perfectly.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Chelsea have submitted an official bid to Napoli for Osimhen, believed to be in the region of €120 million (£102 million). This offer, if accepted, would make Osimhen one of the most expensive signings in Chelsea’s history and a statement of intent from the club’s hierarchy.
The offer reportedly includes a significant upfront payment, with additional performance-related bonuses that could increase the total value of the deal. Chelsea are also understood to be offering Osimhen a long-term contract, with personal terms not expected to be an issue.
The negotiations between Chelsea and Napoli are ongoing, with both clubs keen to reach an agreement before the transfer window closes. Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, known for his tough negotiating stance, is reportedly holding out for a fee closer to €150 million (£128 million), reflecting Osimhen’s value as one of the top strikers in the world.
Victor Osimhen’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric. Since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020, the Nigerian forward has developed into one of the most feared strikers in Europe. Last season, he scored 26 goals in Serie A, helping Napoli secure their first Scudetto since 1990. His blend of pace, physicality, and clinical finishing has made him a nightmare for defenders and a dream signing for clubs looking to add firepower to their attack.
For Chelsea, Osimhen represents the ideal solution to their goal-scoring woes. Despite significant investment in the squad, the Blues struggled in front of goal last season, with inconsistent performances from their forwards. Osimhen’s arrival would not only address this issue but also provide Pochettino with a dynamic focal point around which to build his attack.
Mauricio Pochettino, who was appointed as Chelsea’s head coach in the summer, has made it clear that he wants to bring the club back to competing at the highest level. The Argentine tactician, known for his high-pressing style and emphasis on youth development, sees Osimhen as a key piece of the puzzle.
In a recent press conference, Pochettino expressed his admiration for Osimhen’s qualities, describing him as “a complete striker who can make a difference in any team.” While he did not comment directly on the transfer, Pochettino’s words have fueled speculation that Chelsea are going all out to secure the Nigerian’s signature.
Osimhen’s potential arrival would also align with Chelsea’s broader strategy of building a young, dynamic squad capable of competing for trophies both domestically and in Europe. The 25-year-old would join a group of promising talents, including the likes of Enzo Fernández, Christopher Nkunku, and Levi Colwill, all of whom represent the future of the club.
While Chelsea are pushing hard to secure Osimhen, Napoli are understandably reluctant to part ways with their star striker. Osimhen has been central to the club’s recent success, and his departure would leave a significant void in Luciano Spalletti’s squad.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has been vocal about his desire to keep Osimhen, but he has also acknowledged that every player has a price. In a recent interview, De Laurentiis stated, “Victor is a top player, and we want him to stay, but we also have to consider the realities of the market. If the right offer comes in, we will have to evaluate it.”
Napoli have reportedly begun exploring potential replacements for Osimhen, with names like Jonathan David of Lille and Rasmus Højlund of Manchester United being linked to the club. However, any move for a new striker would depend on the outcome of the negotiations with Chelsea.
With the transfer window set to close in a few days, the coming hours and days will be crucial in determining whether Victor Osimhen will be wearing Chelsea blue this season. The negotiations between Chelsea and Napoli are expected to intensify, with both clubs keen to finalize the deal.
If the transfer goes through, Osimhen could make his debut for Chelsea in their upcoming Premier League fixture, adding a new dimension to Pochettino’s attack. For now, the football world watches with bated breath as one of the summer’s biggest transfer sagas nears its conclusion.
