Chelsea have received a significant boost in their pursuit of striker Victor Osimhen, as reports from Italy indicate that the Nigerian international has rejected an offer to join Juventus this summer.
Osimhen was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea last summer, but the Premier League club was unable to reach an agreement with Napoli for his transfer. Consequently, the prolific forward moved to Galatasaray on loan for the season, where he has continued his remarkable goal-scoring form. The 26-year-old has netted an impressive 36 goals in 40 appearances across all competitions, playing a crucial role in guiding the Turkish side to a domestic league and cup double.
Set to return to Napoli at the end of his loan spell, Osimhen reportedly has no future under manager Antonio Conte and is actively seeking a new permanent club in the summer transfer window. He has a €75 million (£64.2 million) release clause in his contract with Napoli, a clause that can only be triggered by clubs outside Serie A.
Early speculation had suggested that Juventus were keeping tabs on Osimhen, but Il Matino now reports that the striker has already turned down the possibility of a move to Turin. This news will undoubtedly be welcomed by Chelsea, who are expected to renew their interest in Osimhen during the summer window as they look to add more attacking firepower and competition for Nicolas Jackson.
The Blues also appear set to offload backup striker Christopher Nkunku following his challenging stint at Stamford Bridge, with several top European clubs reportedly interested in the Frenchman.
Crucially for Chelsea, they will not have to compete with Manchester United for Osimhen’s signature, as the Red Devils have reportedly shifted their focus towards a double deal for Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap.
However, Chelsea will not have a clear path to signing Osimhen. Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek remains confident that his club can compete with any European side for the striker’s permanent signature this summer. Ozbek did, however, concede that the financial might of Saudi Arabia could prove to be a tempting proposition for Osimhen. Reports suggest that Al-Hilal are considering offering the Nigerian a bumper contract to make him their marquee summer signing.
“He received an offer of 120 million euros for 3 years from Saudi Arabia,” Ozbek told Turkish media earlier in the week. “We can compete with European clubs, but it’s impossible with the Saudis. Osimhen will give us his decision in 1-2 weeks. He had a great time at Galatasaray and he knows that he cannot find this love anywhere else. We will clarify our strategy based on Osimhen’s decision.” Sources and related content