English Premier League side, Chelsea, have been dealt a heavy blow in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen, after Napoli president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, claimed that the Nigeria international was about to sign a new contract at the Serie A club.
The news of Osimhen joining Chelsea has been making the rounds with the London club showing serious interest in signing the striker as early as January.
The Super Eagles striker has been on fire over the past 18 months for Napoli.
Last season, he scored 31 goals across all competitions and helped Napoli end their drought for the Serie A title after a 33-year wait.
His impressive performances saw a host of clubs interested in his service during the summer but the Naples-based club managed to hold onto their star.
Mauricio Pochettino wants to add a centre-forward to his squad in future windows, with Osimhen at the top of his list after his three seasons in Serie A, where he has helped Napoli win the Scudetto.
After firing the Italian side to Scudetto glory last season, there was speculation over his future, with a hefty price tag placed on him amid talks to extend his stay in Campania.
The 24-year-old has a contract that runs till 2025 but has refused to commit his future to the club and contract talks between the two parties were said to have broken down.
Osimhen’s relationship with Napoli has been tested this season with his representatives threatening legal action over a video posted on an official club TikTok account by the club, which mocked their own player.
That prompted reports of a downturn in relations between club and player, until the Napoli president’s fresh claims that the deal will be signed imminently after all.
“With Osimhen, we are about to sign the contract that was pending this summer,” Laurentiis was quoted as saying by standard.co.uk, while speaking with reporters at an event in Naples.
Chelsea are understood to be targeting Osimhen alongside Ivan Toney in their pursuit of a new striker, although they may be happy to wait until next summer to strike a deal.
Reports out of Italy suggested the new contract contains a release clause worth just shy of £130m — but it is not clear when that option comes into effect.
Credit: punchng.com
