Osimhen edges 'closer' to Chelsea as Napoli eye Premier League's most IN-FORM player

Cameron Smith

• 14 May 2024 20:30 BST
• 3 min read

Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen is currently more likely to seal a move to the Premier League than to Paris Saint-Germain this summer, according to reports in France.

The Nigeria international has been labelled as Chelsea’s priority number nine target for the best part of a year and the Blues are expected to pursue a summer move as they search for someone to compete with Nicolas Jackson.

Jackson, 22, has performed admirably since arriving from Villarreal, and has shown visible signs of improvement this year, but he is Chelsea’s only senior striker and the west London club are in need of a more experienced option going into next season.

READ MORE: Chelsea face transfer threat as Atletico Madrid enter race for BARGAIN attacker

Osimhen is deemed their primary target and the Napoli star is currently “closer” to joining the Premier League than signing for PSG, according to French publication L’Equipe.

He is likely to leave Serie A this summer, although any interested party will have to meet Napoli’s eye-watering asking price of a reported €130 million.

READ MORE: Five players who could leave Chelsea this summer

Napoli identify Victor Osimhen replacement

With Chelsea pursuing a move for Osimhen, L’Equipe have reported that Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta has been sounded out as a possible replacement option by Napoli.

The Frenchman has enjoyed a prolific campaign at Selhurst Park and Oliver Glasner’s arrival has sparked a career revival, with the Frenchman scoring 10 goals in just 12 Premier League games under Palace’s new manager.

Mateta recently admitted he is dreaming of a France call-up for the 2024 European Championship in Germany.

He told L’Equipe (via GFFN): “My objective? Les Bleus! [A call-up] is so important to me. I won’t hide it, I’m thinking about the Euros, the France national team – it’s my No.1 objective, my childhood dream. I will watch the announcement.”