Chelsea are reportedly unwilling to give up on their pursuit to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen before the transfer window slams shut tonight.
Chelsea are reportedly unwilling to give up on their pursuit to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen before the transfer window slams shut tonight.
Osimhen has been heavily linked with a move to Al Ahli, though the Saudi Pro League club are also said to be in advanced stages of agreeing a deal for Brentford forward Ivan Toney.
It is understood that Toney has already undergone a medical in London ahead of a move to the Middle East later today.
Al Ahli cannot sign both the England international and Osimhen, which means that the latter may be available for Chelsea to make a late move on.
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Chelsea still pursuing Osimhen signature
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea may still be able to sign the Nigerian international before tonight’s 11pm transfer deadline.
The report adds that the Blues are trying to convince the 25-year-old striker, to integrate into their current squad and accept an incentive-based wage structure.
It is understood that Osimhen has not yet approved the Saudi move and is waiting to see if Chelsea can present an offer that would be acceptable to both him and Napoli.
The 25-year-old is believed to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge as he prefers to remain in Europe rather than move to the Middle East.
Osimhen has netted 76 goals in 133 appearances for his Serie A club and has been one of the Blues’ top transfer targets throughout the summer.
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Who are the possible alternatives for Osimhen?
If Chelsea are unable to strike a deal for Osimhen, and with Toney now seemingly not an option, the Blues may be forced to look elsewhere for attacking reinforcements before the deadline.
Reports suggest that Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be the next in line as a ‘cheaper option’ to the England and Nigerian internationals.
When asked on Friday if new offers had been received for Calvert-Lewin, Everton boss Sean Dyche said: “No, we’re just carrying on as we always have done with Dom and all the other players, trying to stay open with our dialogue, that’s it.”
The Toffees’ striker has scored 68 goals in 249 first-team appearances for Everton and is now in the final 12 months of contract at Goodison Park.