- 6 hours ago
Victor Osimhen rejects Chelsea and 'agrees' Saudi Pro League transfer
Suraj Radia
- 29 Aug 2024 20:30 BST
- 3 min read
Victor Osimhen looks set to reject Chelsea, with reports from Saudi Arabia claiming that a deal has been reached for Al-Ahli to sign the Napoli striker.
Chelsea had been engaged in talks with Napoli this week over a loan for Osimhen with an obligation to buy, however the Nigerian’s wages have so far proven to a stumbling block.
Napoli had been more accommodating towards Osimhen’s departure after securing his replacement in Romelu Lukaku, who joined this week from Chelsea for €30 million.
READ MORE: Romano makes Osimhen guarantee to Chelsea as striker demands €30m-per-year contract
Lukaku’s arrival convinced Napoli to lower their demands for Osimhen, which prompted Chelsea to make their offer, however Al-Ahli also have a bid of €65m on the table.
Osimhen was thought to be unconvinced by a transfer to the Pro League but a four-year deal worth €160m is said to have been agreed by Al-Ahli, according to reputable Saudi outlet Arriyadiyah.
Current ETV
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Napoli
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Napoli
ETV Range
€53.3M - €88.9M
The report claims that the two parties will sign the contract ‘within hours’, although European sources have yet to confirm whether a deal has officially been struck.
Chelsea likely to move for Toney after Osimhen blow
Chelsea are still hoping to sign a striker before the transfer deadline on Friday and Enzo Maresca’s side may switch their focus to Ivan Toney should Osimhen end up moving to Al-Ahli.
Brentford are desperate to cash in on Toney, with his contract expiring next summer and the England star having no desire to renew, and Thomas Frank confirmed the 29-year-old would not play in the club’s next game due to the situation.
READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals
Teams from Saudi Arabia are also said to be interested in Toney but Chelsea would be the striker’s ideal choice and a reasonable fee could be negotiated on deadline day.
Current ETV
Ivan Toney
F (C)
Brentford
Ivan Toney
F (C)
Brentford
ETV Range
€11.1M - €18.5M
A deal for Toney would be significantly cheaper for Chelsea, having seen Osimhen reportedly demand wages in excess of €300,000 per week.
Some reports have also claimed that Osimhen’s contract at Al-Ahli could contain a release clause allowing him to leave for below €40m after two seasons, which may prove to be the deciding factor for the 25-year-old.
Read more about: Premier League, Professional League, Al Ahli, Brentford, Chelsea, Napoli, Ivan Toney, Romelu Lukaku, Victor Osimhen
