Chelsea is actively pursuing a bold move for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. They aim to strengthen their squad ahead of Mauricio Pochettino’s appointment as head coach this summer.
Pochettino, eager to bring in a prolific striker, will be flying to London this week to finalize a three-year deal. He will also secure the necessary funds for squad reinforcements.
The Need For a No. 9 and Other Additions
Chelsea’s priority lies in acquiring a goalkeeper, bolstering their central midfield, and securing a potent No 9. The club has been without a clinical striker since the departure of Diego Costa in 2017. They will hope that the inclusion of Victor Osimhen brings the change.
Osimhen on Chelsea’s Radar
According to The Guardian UK, Chelsea has been monitoring Victor Osimhen for some time. They recognize his talent and potential. The Nigerian striker has been instrumental in Napoli’s success. He led them to the Serie A title this season with an impressive tally of 23 goals in 29 league games. Moreover, Osimhen has previously proven himself against Chelsea, scoring against them in the Champions League while playing for Lille in 2019.
The Challenge of Acquiring Osimhen
Securing Victor Osimhen’s services won’t be a straightforward task. As per La Repubblica, Napoli are willing break the salary cap to keep the Nigerian.
The proposed formula involves offering the striker a substantial increase in salary and the promise of a future transfer at the end of next season.
This approach would deviate from Napoli’s usual salary structure, which is capped at €3.5m net.
Osimhen’s exceptional performances and potential have prompted Napoli to consider this exception to their wage policy.
“The idea is a Cavani-style formula: to renew with a substantial increase and the “promise” of a sale at the end of next season,” the website wrote.
“Osimhen could represent the exception to the rule of wages fixed €3.5m net.
There Napoli is likely to demand a substantial transfer fee. The Italian club aims to mount a strong title defense and has aspirations of making an impact in the Champions League, having reached the quarter-finals this season.
La Repubblica continues, “The scenario, however, cannot exclude a maxi offer. Napoli has set a very high price, around €150m. If the indecent offer were to arrive, it would be normal to make evaluations.”
Chelsea’s Selling Points and Competing Interest
Since Chelsea won’t be participating in European competitions, they must present an appealing case to potential transfer targets. While Bayern Munich also shows interest in Osimhen, Manchester United’s primary focus remains on Tottenham’s Harry Kane.
Adjustment to English Football and Lukaku’s Role
Concerns may arise regarding Osimhen’s adaptation to English football. Additionally, Chelsea will need to strategize how to reintegrate Romelu Lukaku into the squad once he returns from his loan spell at Internazionale. Pochettino plans to give Lukaku an opportunity, but it remains uncertain whether the striker will be loaned back to Inter. Furthermore, Chelsea will need to find a suitable solution for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
While Chelsea boasts a roster of attacking midfielders and wide players, they lack a focal point upfront. Other potential candidates on their shortlist include Inter’s Lautaro Martínez and Brentford’s Ivan Toney. However, Toney’s prospects could be hampered by a lengthy ban from the Football Association due to multiple breaches of betting rules, to which he has pleaded guilty.
