The Blues remain undeterred in their pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen despite his recent contract extension. While the news may have worried some, Chelsea view the inclusion of a release clause as a positive development, setting a clear price tag for a potential summer transfer.
Osimhen, the current African Player of the Year, has been in prolific form for Napoli this season, netting six goals in 11 Serie A appearances. His impressive performances have drawn interest from several top clubs, with Chelsea emerging as the frontrunners for his signature.
Initially, Chelsea harbored hopes of securing Osimhen in the January transfer window. However, Napoli’s shrewd negotiation, securing the striker’s commitment until 2026 with a release clause, has put those ambitions on hold.
The reported release clause, estimated around £112 million, acts as a double-edged sword. While it presents a significant financial hurdle, it also eliminates the uncertainty surrounding Napoli’s asking price and opens a clear path for Chelsea to pursue their target in the summer.
Sources close to the club suggest that Chelsea remain confident in their ability to activate the release clause and bring Osimhen to Stamford Bridge next season. The striker’s reported openness to a move to West London further bolsters their optimism.
With the price tag now set, the transfer saga is far from over. Chelsea will have to contend with potential competition from other clubs, while Napoli will aim to convince Osimhen to stay beyond the summer.
