Chelsea Eye Osimhen Loan Move Amid Napoli’s €130m Release Clause Demands
London, England – Chelsea are back in the hunt for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, but this time, they’re willing to opt for a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer, according to The Telegraph. The Blues had previously pursued the Nigerian striker, but their efforts were stalled by Napoli’s insistence on receiving the full €130m (£110.8m) release clause.
Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis has been holding out for a buyer willing to meet the hefty release clause, but Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are unwilling to match that price for the Super Eagles frontman. With the Blues unable to meet Napoli’s demands, they are now exploring alternative options.
The Chelsea hierarchy had been close to securing Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid, agreeing a €40m (£34.5m) deal. However, the move collapsed due to a disagreement over personal terms. With Omorodion no longer an option, the club has turned its attention back to Osimhen, but only if Napoli are willing to agree to an initial loan deal.
However, this move may face a hurdle, as Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has already responded to rumors of a cut-price deal, stating that his client will not be leaving Napoli at a discounted rate.
As the transfer window approaches its final weeks, Chelsea fans will be eagerly waiting to see if the club can secure a deal for Osimhen. Will the striker’s agent relent, or will the Blues have to look elsewhere to bolster their attacking options? Only time will tell.