Chelsea are likely looking to splash more cash in an attempt to strengthen their squad in 2024 after enduring a really topsy-turvy start to the 2023/24 season. But it looks like they might face a setback in their aims to sign forward target Victor Osimhen.
Chelsea Target Victor Osimhen Close To Signing New Napoli Contract
Osimhen To Meet With Napoli Officials To Finalize New Deal
Sky Sports Italy reporter Gianluca di Marzio has reported that Napoli are moving closer to agreeing on a new three-year contract with their star striker that would tie him down to the club until at least June 2026. The journalist adds that the Serie A heavyweights and Osimhen’s representatives will meet soon to formalize a new contract if dialogues between the two parties continue in a positive manner.
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Di Marzio claims that the Nigerian forward will receive a significant increase in his wages with the new deal and that there will also be a release clause inserted into the deal.
The journalist states that the release clause is likely to be in the region of £112 million to £120 million, meaning that any club that looks to sign him next year would have to pay a record fee. It is also stated that there was a desire from Napoli to meet these conditions from the Nigeria international to agree on a new contract.
Watch: Why Chelsea’s project is broken
Who Are Chelsea’s Forward Targets For Next Year?
Chelsea were reported to be considering Osimhen as their top transfer target for the upcoming January transfer window, but could find it tough to strike a deal if he signs a new contract anytime soon. Apart from the Napoli star, the Blues have also been linked to potential moves for Brentford star Ivan Toney and Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres next year.
However, Chelsea fans are understandably clinging to hope that their team move to sign Osimhen due to his brilliant work in the Serie A over the last few years. The 24-year-old forward, who was praised for having “remarkable room for improvement” earlier this year, scored 26 goals in 33 Serie A games last season and has six goals in 11 appearances this time around. With that being said, it remains to be seen if the London giants make a move for him if he ends up signing a new contract with the Italian side later this month.
