Chelsea 'tracking' Serie A star who is unlikely to sign fresh deal
Jacque Talbot
- 22 Oct 2023 14:30 BST
- 3 min read
Chelsea are closely monitoring Victor Osimhen's situation at Napoli amid his contract uncertainty.
TeamTalk reportts that the Blues are currently exploring their options for 2024 - while Osimhen is a prominent target. They have taken note of the recent challenges he has faced at Napoli.
There may be a stumbling block given that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is a tough negotiator.
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A source at Chelsea told TeamTalk: "While it's not certain that Osimhen will become a Chelsea player, he is a player the club is closely tracking. We've observed Napoli's recent actions and statements, especially the unresolved contract issue, which could significantly impact our plans regarding him."
At the club, talks are underway with Mauricio Pochettino over whether the return of Christopher Nkunku will mean that they should wait until the summer to buy a striker.
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Any move for Osimhen is likely to cost over £100 million if even the player has not agreed fresh terms yet.
It comes after De Laurentiis admitted that he would not close the door on selling Osimhen.
He said at a function: “I have never not been calm when it comes to Osimhen, but it takes two to tango.
"I remain the same; if his mood has changed, then there's not much I can do about that. If, after a handshake, things change, that is disappointing. We take it into account, but life goes on.
“We have a good rapport with him; the contract runs to 2025, so there is time. Don't forget, I sold [Kalidou] Koulibaly at the last minute."
What did Napoli say?
Napoli released a statement clarifying the director’s words after his quotes were made public.
"SSC Napoli would like to clarify recent comments made by President Aurelio De Laurentiis regarding Victor Osimhen, given that his words have been distorted by certain media publications," a statement read.
"President De Laurentiis did not say anything negative about Victor. He simply stated that after a series of lengthy contract negotiations which ended with the parties shaking hands and agreeing to continue together, Victor had second thoughts.
"President De Laurentiis hopes this is merely a pause for reflection. Over the coming weeks, when Victor will not be able to play as he recovers from injury, the president, Osimhen and his agent Roberto Calenda will sit down calmly to discuss the future. Describing relations between Osimhen and Napoli as frosty is entirely out of place."
