Victor Osimhen rejects Chelsea and 'agrees' Saudi Pro League transfer

Suraj Radia

• 29 Aug 2024 14:30 CDT
• 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

€71.1M

ETV Range

€53.3M - €88.9M

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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

€14.8M

ETV Range

€11.1M - €18.5M

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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.