Osimhen could ditch Chelsea to pursue Saudi move
Less than 24 hours remain of the summer’s transfer window and Victor Osimhen’s future remains a subject of uncertainty with Chelsea and Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli interested in his services.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Al Ahli have overtaken Chelsea in the race to sign Osimhen by reaching an agreement with Napoli on a transfer fee said to be in the range of €75 to €80 million. They are yet to agree to personal terms with the Nigerian international but having already booked a medical for him, it is expected that he will be paid €25 to €30 million per season.
Crucially for Osimhen, there would be a release clause in his contract in Saudi Arabia which would permit him with the option to return to Europe at a fixed price some time down the line. Romano has added that the final decision still remains in Osimhen’s hands.
With his agent demanding ‘respect’ in the midst of the striker’s links to Saudi Arabia last week, it remains to be seen if indeed he joins the Middle Eastern side on Deadline Day or is firm in his desire of wanting to continue his career in Europe.
Chelsea, meanwhile, will continue to be in negotiations with Napoli as they hope to convince the striker to join them for the ongoing season as they look for a consistent source of goals to cap off what has been yet another busy transfer window.
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Romelu Lukaku’s sale to the Serie A side has equipped them to pay a good salary to Osimhen but there remain doubts as to whether they can meet the Partenopei’s asking price or are still looking into an initial year on loan with the option to purchase him in 2025.
