HITC sources have confirmed that Chelsea have told Napoli they are not prepared to meet Victor Osimhen’s release clause, meaning as it stands they are looking elsewhere for a new striker.
The Nigerian has long been Chelsea’s preferred option but Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis’s refusal to accept anything other than his release clause worth around £115m – means a deal to take him to Stamford Bridge has not progressed.
It is understood De Laurentiis won’t even consider a deal that would see instalments paid, which Chelsea would have been willing to consider.
Paris Saint-Germain have long considered Osimhen as their prime attacking target to replace Kylian Mbappe – whose long-awaited move to Real Madrid will be made official following the Champions League final this weekend.
However, PSG are also showing some reluctance to sanction a deal that would be one of the biggest in football history.
The Saudi Pro League are long-term admirers of Osimhen and would be more than willing to pay his clause and make the Nigerian one of the highest paid players in world football, but it remains to be seen if he would be keen on a move to the Middle East at this point of his career.
Chelsea looking at other options including Benjamin Sesko
As for Chelsea – HITC understands that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is a player they admire hugely but they have been made aware that the player’s preference is to join Arsenal.
Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres is another they have watched closely in recent months.
Chelsea are continuing to work hard on departures which include strikers Armando Broja and Romelu Lukaku, whilst Trevoh Chalobah and Conor Gallagher are also amongst those who have been told they can move on by the club’s hierarchy.
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