Chelsea’s pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has been postponed until the summer after the forward affirmed his loyalty to Galatasaray for the current season.
Osimhen, on loan from Napoli, has shown stellar form with four goals and two assists in just five appearances for the Turkish champions.
Despite recent improvements from forward Nicolas Jackson, Chelsea remains committed to strengthening their attack and sees Osimhen as a potential 20-goal-per-season player. Chelsea had hoped to secure the striker earlier, but Napoli’s €130 million valuation proved too steep in the recent transfer window.
After a 2-1 victory over rivals Beşiktaş, the newly crowned 2023 CAF Player of the Year voiced his commitment to Galatasaray for the season, as Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu reported. This decision means that Chelsea fans must wait for the summer for any potential transfer developments.
Napoli is anticipated to lower Osimhen’s price in the next transfer window, which could ease Chelsea’s pursuit. While the delay may be disappointing for Chelsea supporters, the club’s interest in Osimhen remains strong as they continue searching for a consistent goal-scorer.
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Osimhen accepted to join Galatasaray on loan in September.
A statement on Fabrizio Romano’s X handle noted that Napoli’s release clause was reduced from €130m to €75m.
The deal is a straight loan until the end of the season, with a break clause in January in the event of top European clubs making a move.
Also, Osimhen had expressed a specific request for a special shirt number no.45 shirt at Galatasaray.
Osimhen wore the no.9 shirt at Napoli and at his previous club, Lille.
The 26-year-old also wears the no.9 for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
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