The on today, off tomorrow transfer deal for Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen took another turn over the weekend with discordant talks by Napoli boss Aurelio Des Laurentiis and a credible Italian football expert.
While Laurentiis claimed Osimhen is set to sign new contract that would keep him at the Diego Maradona Stadium for a longer time, reputed transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano said Chelsea can still land the Nigerian goal machine with a ‘crazy bid’ in the January Transfer Window.
The Super Eagles ace is being chased by some of the biggest clubs in Europe after dazzling in Serie A and the Blues are very keen on him.
Mauricio Pochettino has hinted in recent interviews that Chelsea are indeed looking to sign a new striker, and that is no surprise given their lacklustre start to the season.
Before yesterday’s 3-2 win against Brighton, the London club have won just four of their 13 Premier League matches.
Summer striker signing Nicolas Jackson has scored six goals in 12 league appearances. Christopher Nkunku is yet to feature due to injury but is expected to return soon.
By contrast, Osimhen has scored six goals in nine Serie A appearances before late night clash against Inter. Last term, he scored a stunning 26 goals in 32 league outings.
Several centre-forwards have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently but Osimhen has long been considered to be their top target.
Osimhen has been linked with a move to the Premier League and both Chelsea and Arsenal are understood to be keen on signing a new No 9 in the January transfer window.
However, their hopes of signing the 24-year-old, whose current Napoli deal expires in 2025, could soon be dashed.
Speaking at an event in Naples, De Laurentiis said: “With Osimhen, we are about to sign the contract that was pending this summer.”
