Victor Osimhen’s Chelsea Transfer Hopes Dashed Amid Late Napoli Decision*
Chelsea’s pursuit of Victor Osimhen has encountered a significant setback in the final hours of the summer transfer window. The 25-year-old Nigerian striker, who was a top target for the Blues, will remain with Napoli, according to reports from RMC Sport. Despite interest from both the Premier League and the Saudi Pro League, Osimhen is set to stay at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona unless a last-minute offer from Saudi Arabia materializes before Monday.
Chelsea had reportedly engaged in discussions with Napoli over a loan deal with an obligation to buy, but those negotiations have not come to fruition. The West London club has been dealt a blow as they sought to bolster their attacking options under Enzo Maresca.
The Saudi Pro League, particularly Al-Ahli, had shown strong interest in Osimhen, reportedly offering him an extraordinary salary. However, his agent, Roberto Calenda, provided a statement on social media that seemed to close the door on any immediate transfer.
“Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed with mutual satisfaction,” Calenda stated on X (formerly known as Twitter). “He made history and when there were major offers, we always accepted the club’s decisions. As I said, he is not a package to be shipped far away to make room for new prophets. Victor was elected African Footballer of the Year, eighth at the Ballon d’Or, and he still has so much to do in Europe. There needs to be respect and balance.”
While Chelsea fans had hoped for a late acquisition, it appears that Osimhen will continue his career in Italy for the time being, unless a surprise move from Saudi Arabia happens in the coming days.
