Osimhen's future decided! Huge twist to finish the transfer window for Napoli ace

Robin Bairner

• 30 Aug 2024 22:12 BST
• 2 min read

Victor Osimhen is set to remain at Napoli beyond Transfer Deadline Day, with a move to Chelsea finally breaking down in the final hours of the window.

Osimhen has been the story of the summer transfer window, with Napoli scaring off suitors by pushing a €130 million price tag on his head.

Chelsea, though, doggedly hung into the race until the final minutes of the window before a deal finally collapsed.

BREAKING NEWS! Transfer Deadline Day Live! Minute-by-minute updates of all the biggest deals

Reports had previously suggested that there was a sizeable gap between what the Premier League side were prepared to offer him in terms of a salary compared to what the Blues were willing to pay.

Osimhen presently receives €11m per year at Napoli and had previously accepted personal terms of €12m per year at PSG, who were ultimately unable to complete a move because of Napoli’s astronomical demands.

Chelsea, meanwhile, appeared only willing to sign the player if he fitted into their wage structure, which is based around comparatively smaller salaries on ultra-long contracts. It appears he was unwilling to bend on this point and numerous sources, including Sky Sports and RMC indicate the deal is now dead.

DEADLINE DAY: Every confirmed transfer around Europe

Osimhen to Saudi Arabia?

Napoli needed to sell Osimhen due to his high wages, with the Serie A club having already added a replacement in the form of Romelu Lukaku.

This would hint that a move to the Saudi Pro League is still a possibility for the Nigeria international striker, who has been courted by Al-Ahli, who have also been interested in Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

No announcement has been made with regards the England international, who was spotted attending a medical in London earlier on Deadline Day.

With just one free slot for a foreign signing, it appears that the Saudi Pro League outfit would be unable to add both players to their ranks, but they have time on their side to try to come to a solution to potentially create space for Osimhen as well as Toney.