Chelsea are ready to advance in talks with Napoli for Victor Osimhen if the striker gives his green light on personal terms.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Chelsea are prepared to move ahead with their pursuit of Victor Osimhen and advance in talks with Napoli should the player give them the green light. There are still issues with the agreement on salary with the Nigertian striker, as the Blues are keen to land him.
Chelsea still chasing Victor Osimhen
In the last few days, Chelsea have shown enough intent to sign Victor Osimhen that the striker is now between two decisions. Al-Ahli appeared to have won the race for the Nigerian, but the situation remains open and a bit complicated.
Chelsea are not prepared to overspend in terms of wages, and wanted Osimhen to fit into their incentive-based structure. Should the striker give them a green light on personal terms, the Stamford Bridge outfit will then advance in talks with Napoli to finalise a deal, although there will be a standstill until then.
With the window shrinking fast for Chelsea, they are hoping to bring the Nigerian. They had wanted to sign a new striker, and had made their move for Ivan Toney, although that deal was only a loan without a buy obligation, which did not suit Brentford.
Toney has since agreed to terms with Al-Ahli over a move and reportedly underwent medical tests ahead of a possible move. As for Osimhen, he has also accepted the financial terms from the same Saudi club but has not given his green light over the sporting project in the Middle East. He seemingly prefers Chelsea as things stand, although there is still no consensus over personal terms with the Blues.
Al-Ahli’s situation seems complicated
For a brief moment, it appeared that the Saudi club would swoop in for Toney as well as Osimhen at the same time, having agreed fees and personal terms for either striker. However, due to the presence of many foreigners in their squad, they can only sign one more unless they offload another, with reports stating that Roberto Firmino was offered to another SPL side.
The Brazilian’s move could still materialise, although for now, Al-Ahli are in a position to sign only one of Osimhen and Toney. As soon as they can receive a clear-cut answer for Osimhen, they will then decide on Toney, although the latter seems closer to joining Al-Ahli as things stand.
