Chelsea has been handed a significant Victor Osimhen transfer update after Paris Saint-Germain pulled together an opening offer.
In the front line, Christopher Nkunku’s move to Stamford Bridge has already been confirmed but football.london understands Mauricio Pochettino still wants to sign another striker this summer.
The signing of Villareal forward Nicolas Jackson could be announced in the coming days after his medical was completed in London this past week. Chelsea is set to pay just over £30 million across instalments for the 22-year-old but a marquee move for another natural No.9 is still a priority.
Inter’s Lautaro Martinez and Juventus star, Dusan Vlahovic are names on the short list, but Osimhen is considered as the firm top target.
Given his scintillating goal scoring season for Napoli in Serie A, the Scudetto winners will demand a hefty fee to green light a transfer with club chief Aurelio De Laurentiis adamant he will not be sold unless a bid that would be “impossible” to reject arrives.
When asked about Osimhen, De Laurentiis also confirmed the talks that had taken place over a contract extension, he said: “We’ve an agreement in principle with Victor Osimhen to extend his contract for two more years. In case an exorbitant bid impossible to reject arrives, we will see and make the best decision for the club.”
Chelsea could test that resolve this summer as football.london understands that the Blues are considering a bid which could cost over £100m. Sky Sports Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio has since revealed how much Osimhen will cost if Chelsea choose to pursue the acquisition of his services this summer.
He said: “Aurelio De Laurentiis wants €150million (£128m) for Osimhen. It’s an initial request – I think that the only two clubs in the Premier League that can try to get Victor Osimhen are Chelsea and Man United. I think Bayern Munich are out of this race.”
The German champion was interested in Osimhen, but now looks to be focusing on Harry Kane. A formal offer worth £60m plus add-ons offer has been sent, but football.london understands Spurs are still making it very clear that they would immediately reject a bid for Kane should they receive one.
Despite Bayern pulling out of the Osimhen race, two clubs remain strongly interested alongside Chelsea and they have both made recent significant moves in the transfer battle this week. PSG was ready to submit a £100m offer for Osimhen, but was immediately told that would not be enough to sign the Nigeria international.
Liverpool is also now making their interest known with Jurgen Klopp in search of a new striker despite the recent purchases of Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo. Several attacking transfers have also been made in the last 12 months by Chelsea, but a natural striker is still wanted by Pochettino and both parties look to have the edge over PSG for Osimhen.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Osimhen is prioritising a move to the Premier League this summer after helping Napoli lift the Serie A title last term.
Tavolieri states that Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are set to meet with the 24-year-old’s camp – adding that next week will define the intentions of the interested clubs.
