- 40 minutes ago
Osimhen's agent hands MAJOR boost to Chelsea & Arsenal with latest statement
Cameron Smith
- Updated: 26 Aug 2024 12:48 BST
- 4 min read
Victor Osimhen looks set to reject an offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli in favour of staying in Europe.
The Nigeria international is expected to leave Napoli before the summer transfer window closes on Friday 30 August, although an exit has not yet been finalised.
Al-Ahli have reportedly agreed a fee in excess of €65 million with Napoli, but they are yet to receive the green light from Osimhen.
READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024 - All the Done Deals
The 25-year-old reportedly wants an “important salary” and a release clause to be included if he is to join Al-Ahli, as per Fabrizio Romano, but a deal looks increasingly unlikely.
In fact, Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has now indicated that the Nigeria international will not be moving to Saudi Arabia this summer.
Calenda posted a statement on X that read: “Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed with mutual satisfaction. He made history and when there were major offers (also this year) we always accepted the club's decisions.
READ MORE: Winners and losers of Victor Osimhen joining Chelsea
“As I said, it is not a package to be shipped far away to make room for new prophets. Victor was elected African footballer of the year, eighth at the Ballon d'Or, he still has so much to do in Europe. There is need [for] respect and balance.”
Osimhen scored 15 goals in 25 Serie A appearances last season and he has been heavily linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain over the past few months. However, all three clubs are yet to agree a deal with Napoli.
Victor Osimhen to Chelsea?
With Romelu Lukaku on the verge of joining Napoli, a move to Chelsea is a likely option for Osimhen this summer.
The Nigerian is their number one transfer target, but Enzo Maresca’s side have been pursuing a loan move, which is something Osimhen isn’t keen on.
However, Chelsea have made progress in recent days, according to Ben Jacobs.
He recently posted on X: “Chelsea's priority in the final days of the window is a striker, with Victor Osimhen not yet ruled out.
Current ETV
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Napoli
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Napoli
ETV Range
€53.3M - €88.9M
“Understand Chelsea and Napoli have made some progress on a proposed structure in the last few days. Chelsea won't proceed unless terms become more favourable.
“Chelsea are prepared to make Osimhen a top earner, but he must fit into the wage structure meaning a lower base in non-Champions League seasons.
“Several outgoings expected between now and August 30. Chelsea will present offers to Raheem Sterling this week. Priority is to get his wage off the books.”
