Chelsea makes official offer for Victor Osimhen

Chelsea have officially entered the race for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, following months of speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League. 

As reported by News360 Nigeria, the London club has submitted a formal offer through the player’s agent, Roberto Calenda, with negotiations with Napoli set to commence on Wednesday.

Osimhen has already communicated his intention to leave Napoli, raising hopes that an agreement can be reached before the transfer window closes on August 31.

In a related development, Chelsea’s out-of-favor forward Romelu Lukaku is nearing a transfer to Napoli.

The Belgian international traveled to Naples for a medical on Wednesday and is expected to finalize the move soon.

Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli had also approached Osimhen with a lucrative offer, which was verified on social media by Calenda, who maintained his client has no plans to leave Europe at this stage of his career.

Chelsea are desperate to add a quality striker before the window closes and have also identified Brentford’s Ivan Toney as an alternative if they fail to land Osimhen.

The Nigeria international has been a consistent standout performer for Napoli since joining them from Lille in 2020, netting 76 goals in 133 appearances over the past three seasons.

He was recently crowned African Footballer of the Year and finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or rankings.

Despite interests from clubs in Saudi Arabia, including a reported €70m offer from Al-Ahli, the 25-year-old remains focused on continuing his career in Europe.

His current Napoli contract, which includes a €130m release clause, runs until June 2026.Chelsea face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for Osimhen’s signature.

The French champions had previously reached a preliminary agreement with the striker earlier this summer.

As the transfer saga unfolds, Osimhen continues to train separately from the Napoli squad.