Exclusive says Chelsea made a major move towards elite striker tonight

The end of the transfer window is closing in fast – and Chelsea are still in the market for a very big fish.

Chelsea’s move for Victor Osimhen has been about 4 years in the making, but it’s reaching fever pitch now. Al Ahli from the Saudi Pro League are offering more money to Napoli and more money to Osimhen – but he still feels the temptation of playing in the Premier League and staying in Europe.

There’s been chatter all day from the likes of Ben Jacobs, Fabrizio Romano and other well connected insiders, but latest update from Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport is even more exciting. He claims to know that Chelsea’s “management” are currently in Naples organising the deal.

🚨EXCL Chelsea ’s managment is currently in Napoli. They are trying to convince Victor Osimhen 🔵 https://t.co/V7hU7sATJu

— Fabrice Hawkins (@FabriceHawkins) August 29, 2024

A mystery – but an exciting one

We’re not sure who that would be exactly, given that both co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, plus co-owner Behdad Eghbali were pictured at the game in Switzerland earlier – although given that performance, it wouldn’t really be that surprising if they had jumped on their private jet and flown south at full time.

Behdad Eghbali, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are at the Stade de Genève. (via @kierangill_DM) pic.twitter.com/lP71gSUt2T

— ChelsTransfer (@ChelsTransfer) August 29, 2024

So far, what we know is that Chelsea are staying strong on their wage structure, and on the type of deal they are willing to offer Napoli. But increasingly it’s looking like it will come down to Osimhen’s own decision of what he wants to make of his career and his future.

Will the deal for Osimhen happen? Is it a good idea? He’s certainly a good player, and in a position where we could use an elite option. But how can we possibly judge a deal of this size without knowing the costs and potential knock-on effects. All we know is Marc Guiu can’t be our only option beyond Nicolas Jackson up front for the rest of the season.