Chelsea 'handed major boost in pursuit of striker'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 23 May 2024

Chelsea are reportedly handed a major boost in their efforts to sign their first-choice striker target during the summer transfer window.

Chelsea have reportedly received a boost ahead of trying to sign their priority attacking target during the summer transfer window.

The Blues are currently going through a period of uncertainty courtesy of the decision for Mauricio Pochettino to mutually depart his role as head coach.

Furthermore, co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are aware that they must do everything possible to meet the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.

Nevertheless, it has been claimed for some time that they intend to try to secure the services of an experienced forward to compete with Nicolas Jackson in 2024-25.

Sealing a place in a European competition - depending on whether they fulfil all financial criteria - will also stand them in good stead as they bid to strengthen their squad.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring their first goal on February 21, 2024 © Reuters

Osimhen remains keen on Chelsea move

For a number of transfer windows, Chelsea have been heavily linked with Napoli frontman Victor Osimhen, who helped fire the Italian side to their first Serie A title in more than three decades last season.

However, it is anticipated that the Nigeria international will be sold over the coming months, a consequence of Napoli potentially failing to qualify for continental football.

Given Chelsea's situation behind the scenes, the suggestion has been that Paris Saint-Germain and clubs from the Saudi Pro League are ahead of Chelsea in the race for the 25-year-old.

According to TEAMtalk, Osimhen would prefer to join Chelsea and has informally given the green light for a deal to proceed.

The report indicates that several aspects of a long-term contract are a formality, although other parts would require further negotiation.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring their second goal with teammates on April 28, 2024 © Reuters

Osimhen talks to continue

As it stands, Chelsea's priority will be to raise the necessary funds to ensure that there are minimal issues ahead of the next accounting date of June 30.

That said, it appears that there is a willingness for a deal to be put in place by all parties, realistically for lower than Osimhen's €130m (£110.6m) release clause.

Chelsea are also open to including at least one player in any proposal in order to lower the overall cost, yet it is unclear whether Napoli would be open to such a scenario.

Despite Napoli's poor campaign, Osimhen has still enjoyed a strong season from an individual perspective, contributing 17 goals in Serie A and the Champions League.