Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of 25-year-old Chelsea target Victor Osimhen.
According to a report by Calciomercato, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are both interested in the services of Victor Osimhen and they do need a new number nine who is capable enough to lead their attack. The 25-year-old is an ideal fit for both clubs but they might have both suffered a huge blow in the race.
Osimhen has been doing wonders over the last two years. The Nigerian international has been scoring goals for fun and he even helped them end their three-decade-long drought for the Serie A title. His exceptional numbers in front of goal and his abilities as a forward have resulted in a lot of interest from across Europe.
Some of the biggest clubs in world football want to sign. As far as England is concerned, almost every top Premier League club has been linked with the 25-year-old. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal are three major contenders for his services.
Spurs haven’t signed a new number nine since the departure of Harry Kane in the summer. While they are looking to go past this season without doing so, they will have to bring in someone next summer. Osimhen is someone they would love to have in their ranks.
Even the Gunners will push for a star striker in the summer. Mikel Arteta isn’t pleased with the performances of his strikers. They haven’t been scoring enough goals of late and he wants to bring someone who can guarantee a certain amount of goals. Osimhen is on their radar and his arrival surely helps them push for all major titles.
While the 25-year-old’s departure from Napoli in the summer of 2024 is certain, Arsenal and Spurs still might not be able to land him. The day Osimhen signed a new deal to extend his stay by just a year and add a release clause worth €120-€130 million, it became certain that his departure was on the cards.
The report suggests Chelsea might already have made moves and it also makes it clear the Gunners and Spurs can’t afford his transfer fee. Even if they could take care of it, they have a salary cap of €6-€7 million, the Napoli ace already earns €10 million. So there is no way he is taking a pay cut when he is about to enter a prime.
The Blues have the financial strength and they do need a new number nine. While they have signed quite a few quality players, they do need a proven goal-scorer. With the two north London clubs taking a blow, it seems Chelsea might have a touch easier road.
