Chelsea want to sign Osimhen - but there's a problem

Tom Weber

Updated: 7 Oct 2023 10:30 BST
3 min read

Chelsea are targeting Napoli striker Victor Osimhen — © ProShots

Chelsea are keeping a keen eye on Victor Osimhen's contract situation at Napoli, but the club hierarchy is split on whether to make a move, according to a report.

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Recent controversies, particularly "Tiktokgate" wherein Napoli publicly mocked their star striker, have cast doubt on whether Osimhen is willing to commit his future to the reigning Serie A champions. Perennially linked with Europe's big financial hitters - and the Saudi Pro League - the Nigerian is perhaps closer to a Napoli exit than ever, and the club is to blame.

The 24-year-old's current contract expires in 2025 and Napoli are desperate to tie him down to a new long-term deal, even publicly expressing their desire for him to extend his stay. However, it is unclear how Osimhen and his camp will proceed after the recent spat with the club and given that they have looked far from impressive under new coach Rudi Garcia.

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Chelsea, having themselves endured a difficult start to the campaign, could be in the market for another big-money striker as Nicolas Jackson has thus far flattered to deceive. Linked with a host of big names, there is still no clarity about what the Blues will do in January.

Osimhen, Toney, Gimenez...or nobody?

That's at least according to 90min, which reports that Chelsea are closely following Osimhen's contract situation, but the club hierarchy is currently split on whether to make a move for a striker in January.

"The club do accept," the report states, "that a new option is required if Mauricio Pochettino is to have any chance of fulfilling their ambition of becoming title contenders," but the Blues could just as well wait until the summer given that Christopher Nkunku will return from injury in the next months.

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In addition to Osimhen, Ivan Toney and Santiago Gimenez have emerged as potential January options for the Blues and they could be cheaper than the Nigerian despite his expiring contract, but they are also targeted by other Premier League giants.