Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have now surpassed Chelsea in the competition to secure Victor Osimhen from Napoli for the upcoming summer session. Efforts have been made diligently by Chelsea to persuade the Nigerian striker that he is the key to transforming their team’s performance. Osimhen, however, is seeking a weekly wage of no less than £200,000, a demand that Chelsea is hesitant to fulfill, considering it might disrupt their existing salary structure.
PSG, on the other hand, finds accommodating such a salary demand more feasible, especially with the anticipated departure of Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid, marking the end of the season. Osimhen, with a record of 72 goals in 125 appearances over four years in Italy, emerges as an ideal successor to Mbappe.
Victor Osimhen transfer: Chelsea might miss out on summer transfer target
Arsenal’s ambition to introduce a top-tier No9 to their squad this summer is evident, as they have also expressed interest in the 25-year-old striker. Napoli, cognizant of the likelihood of losing their key player, had Aurelio De Laurentiis, the club president, acknowledging in January that Osimhen’s next move was expected to be to Real Madrid, PSG, or a leading Premier League club.
Despite Osimhen’s recent contract renewal, which was primarily to include a mutually agreed upon release clause, his exit is imminent. The clause allows Osimhen to switch clubs for about €130m, a relatively modest price for a striker of his calibre in today’s market.
Chelsea are keen to add a prolific centre-forward to their team this summer, something that has been missing for years, especially with Romelu Lukaku’s failed stint. However, they will have to comply with the Premier League’s P&S rules to ensure that they complete the move while avoiding punishment.
Otherwise, they may be forced to drop out of the race to sign Victor Osimhen and put their trust in Nicolas Jackson or Christopher Nkunku instead.
