In order to secure Victor Osimhen’s signing during the summer transfer window, Chelsea are prepared to offer him a significant salary ahead of Manchester United, their Premier League rivals.
This season, the Super Eagles striker has led Napoli to the top of the Serie A table with 21 goals and four assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.
After agreeing to terminate Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, United have been heavily linked with a move for Osimhen as they look to replace the five-time Ballon d’Or winner this summer.
Romelu Lukaku is unlikely to stay at Stamford Bridge when he returns from his loan at Inter Milan, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz have both struggled for form in front of goal this season. As a result, the Blues need a clinical number nine this summer.
Graham Potter will have more attacking options now that Christopher Nkunku has agreed to a pre-contract and will join Chelsea at the end of the season. Osimhen may be able to join the team if Todd Boehly moves on from first team players like Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech. However, it will take a significant effort to lure him away from Naples.
Since the Boehly and Clearlake Capital consortium completed their £4 billion takeover of Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have already spent more than £600 million on new players in just two transfer windows.
The Blues’ attack has been bolstered by the additions of Mykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, and Joao Felix, but the team has only scored 24 goals in 25 Premier League games thus far this season.
Osimhen would unquestionably meet the Blues’ requirements for a skillful striker. Given his height, pace, and physicality, the Nigerian is one of Europe’s best finishers this season. He also possesses all the qualities necessary to succeed in the Premier League.
Boehly is willing to double Osimhen’s current €4.5 million (£3.9 million) salary if he wants to sign him before United does. Aurelio De Laurentiis, the owner of Napoli, has offered his star striker €130 million (£115 million) in the hope of keeping Osimhen for another season before the end of his contract.
According to the report, United desperately require a new striker, so Erik ten Hag has prioritized signing Osimhen this summer. After Ronaldo left Old Trafford, Marcus Rashford has taken over, but Ten Hag and Boehly may have to pay a British record transfer fee if they want Osimhen at their club.
