- 10 hours ago
Chelsea set to FAIL in Osimhen pursuit despite last-ditch showdown talks
Robin Bairner
- 30 Aug 2024 08:25 BST
- 4 min read
Chelsea are set to fail in their bid to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, with the Blues unable to match Al-Ahli’s salary offer.
The 25-year-old is set to join either Chelsea or Al-Ahli before the 2024 summer transfer window slams shut, and the Saudi Pro League side have now stormed into the lead for his signature.
Chelsea officials are hoping to convince Osimhen to snub a Saudi Arabia move, but a late hijack now seems unlikely.
BREAKING NEWS! Transfer Deadline Day Live! Minute-by-minute updates of all the biggest deals
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Osimhen’s proposed move to Al-Ahli is in an advanced stage, with all parties currently working on the final details.
Napoli are set to receive a transfer fee in the region of €80 million, while Osimhen will earn an annual salary of €40m on a four-year contract. Meanwhile, a release clause will be included in Osimhen’s deal.
Furthermore, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Napoli have reached a full agreement with Al-Ahli to sell Osimhen. A medical has been booked, and the Nigeria international must now accept the move.
DEADLINE DAY: Every confirmed transfer around Europe
Chelsea to miss out on Victor Osimhen
Chelsea are still hoping to reach an agreement to sign Osimhen, with Blues officials trying to convince the Nigerian to join the club on a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
The Stamford Bridge side have had Osimhen as their leading target for months, yet there has been concerns that they would not be able to afford the Serie A club’s asking price for the player.
Current ETV
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Napoli
Victor Osimhen
F (C)
Napoli
ETV Range
€53.3M - €88.9M
While Napoli have eased upon their demands, which were initially set at €130m, and have accepted a loan with obligation to buy, Chelsea are now struggling to agree personal terms with Osimhen, who earns approximately €11m per year in Italy.
In recent days, this has become a greater issue. Reports have indicated that the striker is unwilling to take a wage cut, while Chelsea are adamant that Osimhen, who previously agreed to a contract worth €12m per year at PSG, will have to fit into their wage structure.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are trying to salvage the situation, according to Fabrice Hawkins of RMC.
He reports that officials from Stamford Bridge are in Naples “trying to convince Victor Osimhen” to move to the Premier League.
The message from the player, though, remains clear: he will not cut his salary to leave Napoli.
As such, he remains far closer to a blockbuster move to the Saudi Pro League, which would see him net four-times the salary he currently earns.
