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Chelsea trying to hijack Al Ahli deal for Osimhen

Chelsea are not giving up their pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. According to Calciomercato, the Blues are trying to hijack Al Ahli’s move for the Nigerian international. 

Chelsea had the Napoli man atop their striker wishlist but have struggled to convince him to fit into their wage structure.

The west Londoners, since the arrival of Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, have been working on reducing their wage bill drastically. They have asked their new players, including Osimhen, to take incentive-based salaries. 

Meanwhile, the former Lille and Wolfsburg centre-forward has a mammoth offer from Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli. They have reportedly tabled an offer worth €30 million per season. 

The Saudi League side has also agreed a deal with Napoli, but they are wary of Chelsea’s interest. They know the Blues can convince Osimhen to move to the Premier League if they up their offer.

Consequently, they have a standby deal with Ivan Toney. The Englishman has already undergone his medicals and is set to join for around €50 million, but they are still waiting to see if Chelsea’s Osimhen deal falls through.

Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020 after bagging 18 goals in his sole season in France. He has netted 76 times in 133 appearances for the Italian club since signing on the dotted line. 

He spearheaded the Partenopei to only their third Scudetto win in 2022 with 26 goals in 32 appearances. He would give Chelsea the bite they need up top.

Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson has struggled to hit the back of the net consistently, and the feeling is that they need a more prolific marksman

Marc Guiu’s performance against Servette in both legs of their Europa Conference League qualifier was another reminder of why the Blues need a new number nine.

The young Spanish striker worked hard but lacked the composure, panache, and experience to lead the line for a club of Chelsea’s stature, hence the move for Osimhen.

Jadon Sancho is also a deadline-day target for Chelsea, and they are trying to get a deal with Manchester United over the line.

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