Chelsea are reportedly looking to advance in their efforts to sign Victor Osimhen after fresh scouting of the striker, with Arsenal also keen.
HITC claimed Chelsea had scouts present to watch Napoli thrashing Sassuolo on Wednesday night, as these observers were there for one player only. Victor Osimhen did not disappoint those club representatives as he notched a hattrick in the game, as he gears up for a vital summer window ahead with Arsenal also keen.
Chelsea scout Victor Osimhen
Chelsea have set sights on a top bracked No.9 ahead of the summer window, with Victor Osimhen their priority target. The Blues might have scouted and watched the Nigerian international several times this season, but they were spotted at the game between Napoli and Sassuolo.
Osimhen scored a hattrick then and inspired Napoli to thrash Sassuolo 6-1 to get back in the race for a top-four finish. Chelsea are already working with his agents to agree on personal terms, which shows the Blues are eager to get ahead in the race for the 25-year-old striker.
The Blues have had dialogues at different stages of the season and may have left Italy with a solid impression of the striker. They will have to accelerate a move for the player, who they might feel would prefer to join them over other suitors. However, Chelsea’s lack of Champions League football may have a significant role in determining how ahead they are in the race, although they remain confident for now.
Napoli agreed to a new contract with the 25-year-old, consisting of a release clause rumoured in the region of €130 million. It’s a steep price for any player, although Osimhen’s quality might deserve that, and Napoli is unlikely to accept anything less than that figure.
Arsenal also interested in Osimhen
The race for Osimhen has picked up momentum over the last few weeks since media reports have started linking him to different clubs. Arsenal are keen and may have an advantage over Chelsea in the hunt, as the Gunners can offer him Champions League football next season and a shot at the Premier League title.
PSG are also in the hunt as they view Osimhen as a potential replacement for Kylian Mbappe, alkthough other reports state that they might go after Rafael Leao instead. Hence, Arsenal should be considered a significant threat to Chelsea in the chase for Osimhen, as Mikel Arteta would love to bring a top-draw No.9 next summer.
