Chelsea target two cheap alternatives to Osimhen after 'extraordinary' wage demands

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 25 Aug 2024 09:52 BST
• 3 min read

Victor Osimhen is demanding that Chelsea break their wage structure to secure his signing, according to reports.

The Nigerian international is seeking a salary from the Blues that would make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League - asking for some £500k-per-week.

The Sun reports that this means his potential move to Chelsea is in jeopardy. The London club have been engaged in negotiations with both Napoli and Osimhen’s representatives throughout the summer, but no agreement has been reached so far.

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Chelsea have tried to secure Osimhen on a loan deal as they do not wish to pay his €130 million release clause.

Napoli rejected this loan offer, though they recently agreed on a separate €44m deal for Romelu Lukaku.

The 25-year-old is keen on leaving the Italian side after submitting a formal transfer request, with Paris Saint-Germain also expressing interest. He is also playing away from the first-team at the Diego Maradona Stadium.

Current ETV

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Napoli

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Napoli

€71.1M

ETV Range

€53.3M - €88.9M

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Chelsea look to alternatives

The club are also exploring other striker options, with surprise options including Juventus' wantaway attacker Federico Chiesa, and Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Both players will cost Chelsea cheaper options should their move for Osimhen fail.

Chelsea have already added five attacking players this summer window despite having Nicholas Jackson in their ranks. However new manager Enzo Maresca remains determined to bring in another striker.

Osimhen has been linked with a move away from Napoli for a considerable period, but so far there club have remained bullish in their stance of his valuation.

Chelsea face Wolves later today after losing their opening Premier League match against Manchester City.