Osimhen to ink pre-contract with Chelsea
According to PUNCH Sports Extra, Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker currently playing for Serie A champions Napoli, has reached an agreement to transfer to Chelsea in the upcoming summer.
As reported by TEAMtalk, the 25-year-old, who has a release clause of approximately £112m, will not be making the move this month but is open to signing a pre-agreement in January.
This pre-agreement would make his switch to Chelsea official at the conclusion of the current season.
Sources suggest that football legends Didier Drogba and John Obi Mikel have been actively communicating with Osimhen, attempting to persuade him to join Chelsea.
The Blues have expressed a strong interest in bolstering their front line, with Osimhen being their top choice.
While Chelsea is also interested in Ivan Toney, his age and the high asking price are viewed as obstacles to a potential transfer to Stamford Bridge.
According to TEAMtalk, Osimhen is receptive to an approach from Chelsea and is willing to finalize a pre-agreement this month, ensuring that the move will happen in the summer.
Despite recently signing a new contract with Napoli that includes a release clause of around £112m, Osimhen is not expected to move this month, and a pre-agreement is considered the only feasible way for a deal to be reached during this transfer window.
Several sources in Italy anticipate some developments in the coming weeks and believe that this may be Osimhen’s last season with Napoli.
There is mounting pressure on Chelsea to act swiftly, as a potential transfer battle is anticipated in the summer, with more clubs vying for Osimhen’s signature.
If the move materializes, Osimhen is poised to become one of Chelsea’s highest-paid players in the summer. Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino has been advocating for the addition of experienced players to complement the team’s youthful squad, and Osimhen is seen as someone who can provide that valuable experience.
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