Napoli’s Transfer War: Osimhen Furious as Chelsea’s Dream Move Hangs in the Balance

In the ever-turbulent world of football transfers, few sagas have captured the attention of fans and pundits alike as much as Victor Osimhen’s ongoing battle with Napoli. The Nigerian striker, who has been a revelation for the Partenopei since his arrival, now finds himself at the center of a transfer storm that could redefine his career. With the summer transfer window rapidly closing, Osimhen’s dream of donning Chelsea’s blue jersey seems to be slipping away, and the tension between the player and his club is reaching a boiling point.

Reports have emerged that Osimhen is furious with Napoli for blocking his desired move to Chelsea. The 25-year-old striker had initially been linked with a lucrative transfer to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. However, that deal fell apart after Napoli reportedly increased their asking price by an additional €5 million, a move that saw Al-Ahli shift their focus to Brentford’s Ivan Toney instead.

Now, as the transfer deadline looms, Osimhen has turned his sights on Chelsea. The Premier League giants are reportedly the striker’s preferred destination, and he is pushing hard for a last-minute move to Stamford Bridge. However, according to transfer experts Sacha Tavolieri and L’Equipe journalist Loic Tanzi, Napoli remains firm in their stance, refusing to lower their demands to facilitate the transfer.

A High-Stakes Standoff: Napoli’s Reluctance and Chelsea’s Offer

Napoli’s reluctance to let Osimhen leave for Chelsea stems from their valuation of the player. The striker has a €130 million release clause in his contract, but the Partenopei were reportedly willing to accept a reduced fee of €80 million plus bonuses in the final hours of the transfer window. Despite this, Chelsea has yet to meet Napoli’s demands, leading to a tense standoff between the clubs.

Osimhen’s frustration with Napoli is palpable. According to Tanzi, the striker is “very angry” with the club, and Tavolieri adds that there’s a “big fight ongoing” between Osimhen and the Partenopei. The Nigerian international feels that Napoli’s stubbornness is preventing him from securing a dream move to the Premier League, where he believes he can take his career to the next level.

The Chelsea Offer: Why Osimhen Turned It Down

Despite his desire to move to Chelsea, Osimhen reportedly turned down a significant offer from the club. RMC Sport transfer expert Fabrice Hawkins claims that Chelsea offered Osimhen a salary of €8 million per season, but the striker rejected the deal. The reason? Osimhen currently earns €10 million per season at Napoli, a contract that was agreed upon in December 2023. The striker is unwilling to take a pay cut, especially considering the high expectations surrounding his potential transfer.

Osimhen’s current contract was always intended to be a short-term solution, with the assumption that clubs would be lining up to activate his €130 million release clause this summer. However, the large salary demand and price tag appear to have deterred potential suitors. Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, and Manchester United all reportedly explored the possibility of signing Osimhen, but ultimately looked elsewhere due to the financial implications.

What’s Next for Osimhen and Napoli?

As the clock ticks down on the summer transfer window, the future of Victor Osimhen remains uncertain. If neither Osimhen nor Napoli is willing to compromise, the striker may find himself stuck at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for another season. While Osimhen’s relationship with the club has soured, there is no denying his value on the pitch. The Nigerian international was instrumental in Napoli’s success last season, and his departure would leave a significant void in the squad.

However, Osimhen’s unhappiness could also have a negative impact on his performances if he remains at Napoli against his will. The situation is a delicate one, and both parties must tread carefully to avoid a complete breakdown in their relationship.

For Chelsea, missing out on Osimhen would be a significant blow. The Blues have been in the market for a top-tier striker to lead their attack, and Osimhen was seen as the perfect candidate. With time running out, Chelsea may need to explore alternative options or risk going into the new season without a marquee signing upfront.

The transfer saga involving Victor Osimhen, Napoli, and Chelsea is a perfect example of the high-stakes drama that defines the world of football transfers. As the summer window draws to a close, all eyes will be on whether Osimhen gets his wish to move to the Premier League or if he will be forced to remain in Italy, where tensions with his current club continue to escalate.