Victor Osimhen to Chelsea: Romano reveals the state of play

Tom Weber

Updated: 5 Apr 2024 10:57 BST
3 min read

Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest on Chelsea's pursuit of Victor Osimhen.

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The Blues are in the market for a prolific number nine as Nicolas Jackson has failed to have quite the desired impact. Though far from terrible, the Senegal international has often been the subject of ridicule for his wasteful finishing.

Chelsea, who have been very inconsistent this term, will look to rectify the situation in the summer by splashing the cash on a proven number nine. Napoli sharpshooter Victor Osimhen was already eyed last summer and he will be the west London club's top target this year.

It's not been an easy season for the Nigerian at struggling Napoli, who have miserably failed to defend their Serie A title. The 25-year-old has notched 13 goals and four assists in 25 games across all competitions this term, but his he has not been quite as prolific this term as he had been during Napoli's historic 2022/23 campaign.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are still very keen on the forward, but their pursuit will ultimately depend on the club's financial situation, with Osimhen likely commanding a fee in the region of €130 million due to his release clause.

Romano on Osimhen

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed: "At the moment, nothing is close to being completed, but let me repeat once again that Chelsea's appreciation of Osimhen remains. So, Chelsea have not changed their mind in terms of appreciating Osimhen and considering Osimhen a great candidate [to be their] new striker."

"But Chelsea have to understand and wait on the situation of Financial Fair Play and how much they can really spend on the striker. As soon as they will know that, they will decide on the striker position. [Benjamin] Sesko is on the list, Osimhen is on the list."

"For Osimhen, there is a big appreciation, but it depends also on the salary, signing fee, commission, all this stuff because Osimhen is already expensive in terms of release clause - around €120m, €130m - with some things to clarify in terms of his release clause. Not about when it's valid because it's going to be valid this summer, but about how is the final price and then the salary of the player."