Chelsea Fail To Rope In Napoli’s Nigerian Striker Victor Osimhen – News18
Chelsea failed to sign Napoli’s Victor Osimhen on deadline day, reportedly, due to the forward’s high wage demands. The 25-year-old continues to be a Napoli striker with the European transfer window shutting close today, August 31. Following a mixed debut season from Nicholas Jackson, the Blues were keen to bring the Nigeria star to Stamford Bridge. But the club failed to lower the player’s wage demands. It was reported that the London giants offered Osimhen a contract worth €155,000-a-week which was less than what he earned at Napoli. The lower wages led to the Napoli star declining the offer, also ruining the relationship between both clubs.
Transfer market specialist Fabrizio Romano confirmed the update on X (formerly Twitter). Talking about the negotiations, Romano wrote, “Deal completely OFF for Victor Osimhen. No agreement with Chelsea and the CFC delegation now leaving Napoli.” Speaking further, he added how Osimhen has already been excluded from Napoli’s first team and will not be representing them in Serie A. Napoli are now hearing offers from Saudi Pro League clubs for the Senegal star. “If nothing happens from Saudi in the next 3 days, Osimhen will stay at Napoli but he’s NOT gonna be part of the first team squad. Relationship completely broken,” Romano added.
Fabrizio Romano later shared another post claiming that Victor Osimhen’s number 9 shirt has already been given to the club’s new signing Romelu Lukaku. “Victor Osimhen has been excluded by Napoli’s Serie A squad list…and also number 9 will NO longer be on his shirt. Napoli have decided to give number 9 to Romelu Lukaku with immediate effect,” Romano posted. As per Romano, Mario Rui is also out of the club’s project. He further reported that both players also wanted to leave but on their terms.
With a deal failing to materialise for Victor Osimhen, Chelsea turned their attention to out-of-favour Manchester United star Jadon Sancho. Chelsea were looking to add more firepower to their attack. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the two parties had reached an agreement on Friday that allowed Sancho to move to London on a loan move. The deal was estimated to be worth anywhere between £20 million to £25 million.
Chelsea will next be in action against Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, September 1. Chelsea currently find themselves placed in the eighth spot in the Premier League standings.
