According to reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli and Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has chosen Chelsea over Arsenal as his next destination, and a deal could be completed as soon as the transfer window closes.
Osimhen is expected to leave his current club at the end of the season, a decision Napoli club president Aurelio de Laurentiis confirmed at the start of the year amid speculation over the player’s future.
“We knew that since last summer,” De Laurentiis responded when asked if Osimhen would be leaving at the end of the season.
“That’s why the contract negotiations were so drawn out and amicable… but we knew perfectly well that he would go Real Madrid, to PSG, or an English team.”
It is believed Osimhen will cost in the region of €120 (£103m)-€130m (£111m) and “would prefer Chelsea” above all other interested parties.
Osimhen, who joined the Italian champions Napoli FC from French Ligue club, Lille, for a fee in the region of €75million could now command a fee of €120m-€130m as he has impressed during his time in Naples.
Last season, Osimhen was one of the most in-demand centre-forwards in European football after his 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances led the Naples club to the league title. Unfortunately for Napoli, they have been unable to carry their form from last season into this one and they have relinquished Serie A with a whimper. Now the striker is looking increasingly likely to leave the Italian club this summer, with Chelsea interested in bringing Osimhen to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are in search of a clinical striker and are keen to sign Osimhen to bolster their attacking prowes.
Chelsea are currently struggling in the Premier League and some of their signings last summer haven’t quite hit the mark.
