Chelsea given GREEN LIGHT to sign Osimhen

Tom Weber

Updated: 11 Mar 2024 21:24 GMT
4 min read

Victor Osimhen, Chelsea, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea will theoretically be able to afford Victor Osimhen in the summer, but the transfer would require a major sacrifice, according to a report.

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The Nigerian sharpshooter has become the Blues' top target for the upcoming transfer window. Osimhen has long since been one of Europe's most prolific number nines and Chelsea hope that his goals would be able to catapult them back into relevance.

Signing Osimhen will be anything but straightforward, however. The Napoli striker recently extended his deal by a year, adding a €130 million release clause to his contract. In addition to his hefty price tag, there is the issue of Chelsea being, well, not very good.

The Blues currently languish in 11th in the Premier League and there is a realistic chance that they will not compete in any UEFA competition next term, making them extremely unattractive for big-name players. PSG, who want to make Osimhen the face of their post-Kylian Mbappe era, would be able to offer him Champions League football and potentially a higher salary.

Nevertheless, Chelsea have the means to sign the 25-year-old, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Chelsea could sign Osimhen

Writing for SPTC, Jacobs has given Chelsea the green light to sign Osimhen from a financial point of view. He does assert, however, that breaking the bank on him would likely prevent them from strengthening other areas of the pitch, despite as many as 15 players potentially leaving the club.

“The key question in light of all this is can Chelsea afford Victor Osimhen? From what I am told the answer is yes, on paper; but in practice, it may be at the expense of other names in key positions. Napoli are going to insist Osimhen’s £100m+ release clause is paid, and the Nigerian striker wants around £250k per week."

"These numbers might give PSG an edge since they have freed up around €200m gross from Kylian Mbappe’s departure at the end of the season. But I am still told Osimhen ideally wants to move to the Premier League. So we can’t rule it out, for Chelsea, Arsenal or even Manchester United (if Erik ten Hag’s side somehow get Champions League)."

“Chelsea will want significant and quick outgoings and perhaps to put off strengthening other positions if they do put down an offer for the Nigerian.”