Enzo Maresca RESURRECTS Chelsea move for €130m goal machine

Carlo Garganese
Carlo Garganese
  • 3 Jul 2024 14:00 BST
  • 3 min read
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2023/24
© IMAGO

Chelsea are back in the race to sign Victor Osimhen this summer but any possible transfer will require Napoli to drop their asking price.

Article continues under the video

It had been widely understood for several weeks that Chelsea had pulled out of the race to sign the Nigerian striker.

However, the Daily Telegraph reports that Chelsea have made it known they are interested again but only if Napoli drop their €130 million asking price.

READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals

Chelsea are in the market for a top striker this summer, and are also looking at Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and Atletico Madrid Samu Omorodion.

The Telegraph adds, though, that a move to Saudi Arabia is the most likely destination for Osimhen.

Napoli are desperate to sell Osimhen this summer, with most of their transfer market held up until they can move him on.

Osimhen was one of the most wanted men in Europe last year but a difficult 2023-24 season and an astronomical €130m asking price - which is his release clause - has scared off clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and PSG.

READ MORE: Out of contract in 2024: The best free agents available on a Bosman

Chelsea would be interested in signing Osimhen, though, but it would require Napoli to cut that price.

Victor Osimhen, Napoli
© IMAGO - Victor Osimhen, Napoli

Osimhen to leave Napoli

Osimhen has decided to leave Napoli this summer, and the Italian club have also agreed to sell to fund new manager Antonio Conte’s transfer campaign.

The 25-year-old saw his relationship with Napoli sour this last season, following the TikTok scandal in which the club’s own social media team mocked his penalty miss with Bologna.

Osimhen had a largely difficult season on the pitch, while Napoli endured a disastrous defence of the Scudetto they won in the 2022-23 season as they finished 10th in Serie A.

The Nigerian had been a key player in the Scudetto campaign, scoring 26 league goals in 32 games.

Never miss the next big transfer!

Get the latest transfer insights and analyses directly in your mailbox.