The transfer saga surrounding Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has intensified in the final hours of the summer transfer window, with Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli and Chelsea FC locked in a bidding war for the Nigerian striker’s signature. Al-Ahli has tabled a lucrative four-year contract offer worth approximately €40 million per season, which includes a buyout clause of around €50 million. This proposal has put significant pressure on Chelsea, who are attempting to match Osimhen’s current salary at Napoli in a last-ditch effort to secure his services.The situation is further complicated by Al-Ahli’s simultaneous pursuit of Brentford striker Ivan Toney. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Saudi club can only sign one of the two strikers due to Pro League regulations and financial constraints. This limitation could potentially open the door for Chelsea to swoop in for Osimhen, should he reject the Middle Eastern offer.Napoli stands to receive around €80 million from the transfer, a figure significantly lower than the €120 million they had previously rejected for Osimhen. The player’s agent, Gaetano, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, stating, ‘It’s a tough decision, but we’ll see what happens’.As the clock ticks down on the transfer window, Chelsea is not putting all their eggs in one basket. The London club has reportedly offered Arsenal the chance to sign Raheem Sterling, as they look to reshape their attacking options. This move could potentially free up space and funds for a last-minute push for either Osimhen or Toney.The outcome of this high-stakes transfer battle remains uncertain, with Osimhen’s preference for Premier League football potentially clashing with the financial allure of the Saudi offer. As the deadline approaches, all eyes are on the Nigerian striker’s decision, which could have significant implications for the involved clubs’ seasons ahead.
Key points
- Al-Ahli has offered Victor Osimhen a four-year contract worth €40 million per season.
- Chelsea is making a last-minute effort to match Osimhen’s current Napoli salary.
- Al-Ahli can only sign one of Osimhen or Ivan Toney due to league regulations.
- Chelsea is exploring other options, including potentially offloading Raheem Sterling.
Contradictions👾Some sources report Osimhen has already agreed to join Al-Ahli, while others suggest the decision is still pending.
👾There are varying reports on the exact transfer fee, with figures ranging from €75-80 million to €100 million.
