Osimhen’s Move to Chelsea Stalled, as Striker Rejects Pay Cut

Football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated with confidence that Victor Osimhen will not accept a reduced salary in order to facilitate his move to Chelsea. The Italian journalist hinted that Chelsea’s pursuit of the Napoli striker could potentially ‘go down to the final week of the transfer window’.

The Blues are in urgent need of a striker capable of consistently scoring goals for the team, and with less than two weeks remaining until the start of the new Premier League season, they have intensified their search for such a player.

Chelsea is reportedly close to securing a deal for Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion, but they are also heavily linked with Osimhen, with the Super Eagles forward said to be ranking prominently on their wish list to lead their attacking line during the 2024/25 campaign.

The Nigeria international has emerged as one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe, having been linked with potential moves to Chelsea, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Liverpool, among others. However, his substantial €130 million release clause has deterred many clubs, with Paris Saint-Germain being the only European club still keen on securing his services.

According to recent reports, Victor Osimhen’s contract with Napoli includes a £113 million release clause. He is currently the highest earner in Serie A, receiving approximately £325,000 per week.
Osimhen signed a new contract with Napoli towards the end of last year, but he is expected to depart the club before the transfer window closes. Fabrizio Romano, a reputable football journalist, has stated that Osimhen is unwilling to accept a pay cut to facilitate a move to Stamford Bridge.

As a result, the potential transfer of the Nigerian striker could “go down to the final week of the window.” Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in the summer of 2020 for a club-record fee of €70 million, with an additional €10 million in bonuses. Over the past two seasons, the 25-year-old has been in excellent form for the Parthenopeans, guiding them to their first Scudetto in over three decades in the 2022/23 season. His impressive performance, which included 26 league goals, earned him the top scorer award.