Chelsea’s long chase for Nigeria’s best striker, Osimhen seems to take a U-turn, as the club retrace steps from their pursuit.
Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has had an impressive season, scoring 28 goals in 32 appearances.
His outstanding performance has attracted interest from major European clubs, including Manchester United and Juventus.
Although there were strong links to Osimhen in previous transfer windows, Chelsea has reportedly decreased their interest.
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Based on inside Source’s indication that he is no longer a priority target for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, was expected to make a major move for a high-profile striker after being previously linked with the likes of Ivan Toney, Viktor Gyökeres, and Benjamin Šeško.
However, none of those deals materialized last summer, and it appears the West London club is now exploring other avenues.
At the moment, Chelsea are placing more emphasis on Gyökeres and Šeško as viable candidates to lead their frontline going forward.
Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is also reportedly being monitored following a breakthrough season.
Elsewhere, Manchester United remain firmly in the mix for Osimhen as they prepare for a potential reshuffle in their attacking line-up.
Nigerian and Galatasaray’s Striker Victor Osimhen
With uncertainty surrounding the futures of Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, the Red Devils are considering Osimhen as a marquee addition to bolster their strike force.
Juventus are also said to be crafting a move for the Nigerian international. With Dusan Vlahović’s future uncertain post-Club World Cup, the Bianconeri see Osimhen as a potential long-term replacement.
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The strong relationship between Juve sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli and Osimhen’s representatives may give the Italian side an edge in negotiations.
Luciano Spalletti, who previously coached Osimhen at Napoli, has publicly praised him as a “great striker,” a sentiment echoed by many in the football world.
With Chelsea stepping aside, the race for Osimhen’s signature could now intensify – and new suitors may still emerge before the transfer window opens.
