Chelsea 'switch focus' away from Victor Osimhen

Cameron Smith

Updated: 24 Sep 2024 12:58 CDT
4 min read

Victor Osimhen, Chelsea, Napoli, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Chelsea are unlikely to make Victor Osimhen a priority target during the January transfer window, according to reports.

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The Blues were on the verge of signing Osimhen this summer, but they were unable to finalise a deal and the Nigeria international joined Galatasaray on loan instead.

His contract in Turkey does include a January break clause, meaning Chelsea could pounce, but Enzo Maresca’s side are prepared to wait until next summer before rekindling their pursuit of Osimhen.

They are instead set to pursue a January move for Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu, according to CaughtOffside.

The 19-year-old has been on Chelsea’s radar for several months and he is a self-confessed boyhood Blues fan.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in signing Dorgu, however, who is set to be involved in a transfer tug-of-war during the winter window.

Despite signing Renato Veiga this summer, Chelsea reportedly remain interested in adding another left-back to their squad, with Ben Chilwell cast aside by Maresca and facing the prospect of four months without first-team football.

Dorgu is currently their top target and the Blues are closely tracking his progress at Lecce as they consider a January bid.

How close were Chelsea to signing Victor Osimhen?

Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has admitted that Osimhen was “moments away” from moving to Stamford Bridge this summer.

He told The Obi One Podcast: “We were very, very close. We were just moments away from getting this deal done, but there were just slight issues, slight little problems, that meant we just couldn't get over the line.

“And of course, the medical couldn't be done as well, so even if we got the deal done, it was too late…

Current ETV

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

ETV Range

€53.3M - €88.9M

“Victor really, really wanted to come to the club, and he had to compromise a lot to come to the middle. Because we did reach an agreement in terms of the salary, in terms of what he wants.

“There were just a few minor details here and there that we just couldn't get over the line.”