By Victor Kanayo
Nigerian international and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen might be on his way to London following reported intensified interest by Premier League side Chelsea ahead of the January transfer window.
Reports from different British media platforms indicate that just as Chelsea place top target on him, Osimhen is also eager to play at Stamford Bridge.
A Possible Move With So Much Cost
There are concerns that a strained relationship between the 24-year-old Nigerian and Napoli President Aurelio Di Laurentiis could force the move to happen.
Also, reports claimed that Napoli could demand over £100 million for their star striker who has six goals in 11 appearances this season, and that the Blues are ready to invest more than £100m in the Nigerian striker making an attempt to sign him in January even if Napoli are unlikely to sell in the winter transfer window.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea will make life even more difficult for the Partenopei given that they have made Osimhen their top transfer target in attack.
Another thing to consider, though, is the Africa Cup of Nations. Osimhen will be involved with the Nigerian side which would rule him out for most of January.
If the deal pulls through, Osimhen could become the most expensive signing in the Premier League’s history, overtaking Enzo Fernandez who moved to Stamford Bridge for £106.8m, circa €122m in January 2023.
Blues Struggles
Chelsea have struggled in front of goal throughout the season.
Nicolas Jackson is Chelsea’s best scorer in the Premier League with six goals – but three of them were scored against a nine-man Spurs side.
Osimhen, last season’s Serie A top scorer with 26 goals, is one of the most sought-after forwards in the world but Napoli have been working for several months to extend his contract at the Stadio Maradona beyond 2025.
