Chelsea are interested in signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and could rival Manchester United for his signature, according to reports.
Osimhen has been unstoppable in Serie A, topping the goalscoring charts with 16 goals in 17 appearances, and earning the attention of Erik ten Hag.
But Chelsea are now thought to have entered the race for the Nigerian.
The Blues spent over £280million in January, adding plenty of firepower to their attack including Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk, David Fofana, Andrey Santos, and Noni Madueke. Whilst RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku has also agreed to join in the summer.
However, big-spending Todd Boehly isn’t finished there, reportedly turning his attention to 24-year-old Osimhen.
Chelsea identify Osimhen as ‘top target’
Boehly is said to have identified Osimhen as their ‘top target’ this summer, according to 90min.
The striker has two years remaining on his contract at Napoli, leaving the club in a powerful negotiating position.
Reports suggest that the Italian side are demanding in excess of £170million if they are to see him leave.
However, the same report claims that Chelsea are planning on using their own players as a bargaining tool. Romelu Lukaku is said to be one of the names that could be included as part of an exchange deal.
De Laurentiis told SportBild: “I can tell you that Osimhen is not for sale.”
“Our players are in demand, but I don’t have to sell anyone. We don’t have any debts.”
Man Utd warned against Osimhen
Red Devils boss Ten Hag is thought to be very keen on signing Osimhen this January, as the Dutchman seeks a long term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Having signed Wout Weghorst on a temporary loan deal this January, the club are thought to want to invest in a world class striker in the summer.
However, the player’s eye-watering price tag will no doubt put potential buyers off. And with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain said to be sniffing around, the price is likely to rise even further.
Italian journalist Gianni Visnadi has raved about Osimhen’s ability, but warned clubs about his extortionate asking price.
Visnadi told Radio Crc via Football365: “I am crazy about Osimhen and I think he is a fantastic player.
“€200million for a footballer seems crazy to me. If we go by the ratio with others I think there is a very dangerous drift in this aspect.
“Osimhen is crazy because he does things that others don’t even think about, this year he is showing who he really is.
“Congratulations to whoever chose him. He is a jewel that has been polished well to make him shine as he deserves.”
