'Victor Osimhen to Chelsea - HERE WE GO!'

Cameron Smith

• 22 Aug 2024 12:00 BST
• 3 min read

Victor Osimhen’s potential move to Chelsea is in an advanced stage, according to former Nigeria international John Ogu.

In fact, Ogu, who has 26 caps for Nigeria and played with Osimhen on two occasions for the national team, believes the deal is now done.

The 36-year-old used Fabrizio Romano’s famous catchphrase and posted on X: “OSIMHEN TO CHELSEA… Here we go !!!”

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Osimhen has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for over a year, although the Blues are currently pursuing a loan deal, which is something the Nigerian isn’t open to.

However, Chelsea are actively searching for a new number nine and Osimhen is their priority target, despite his huge wage demands and Napoli’s €130 million asking price.

The Serie A giants are close to finalising an agreement to sign Blues forward Romelu Lukaku, and there is belief that Osimhen may move in the opposite direction once Lukaku’s reunion with Antonio Conte is confirmed.

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Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu are currently the two senior strikers on Chelsea’s books, with Armando Broja, David Datro Fofana and Lukaku training in a separate group away from Enzo Maresca’s first-team.

Victor Osimhen to leave Napoli?

After Napoli’s 3-0 loss to Hellas Verona on Saturday, sporting director Giovanni Manna admitted that selling Osimhen is proving to be a challenge.

“It’s an objective fact, what the coach said, the situation is blocked,” Manna said.

“Victor is an important player, with an important value and conditions. His desire is clear.

“We tried to maintain the integrity of the squad at this moment. We are not the only club in this situation and we’ll see what happens over the next ten days.

“At this time, it is not right to say what sensations there are. We are working with his entourage to find the best solution.

“As we said, he is an important player, so it’s not that we can just sell him anywhere. He is under contract for another two seasons, so clearly if we don’t find a solution by August 30, we’ll have to talk to the player.”