Chelsea Drop Interest in Osimhen as Arsenal Eyes Nigerian Star

Chelsea’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid’s rising star Samu Omorodion has effectively ruled out a move for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen this summer. Sky reporter Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Chelsea’s significant progress on a £43 million deal for Omorodion has ended speculation about Osimhen joining Stamford Bridge. This development opens the door for Arsenal, who are now keen on securing the Nigerian forward.

Di Marzio suggests that Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) remains interested in Osimhen, who is expected to leave Napoli this summer after being excluded from Antonio Conte’s pre-season squad.

Arsenal is now in contention for the 25-year-old, while clubs in Saudi Arabia continue to face challenges in persuading him to join despite their ongoing interest.

Osimhen, who has a release clause of approximately £110 million, is waiting to see if he will be included in Napoli’s first game of the season, the Coppa Italia match against Modena on August 10.

According to Di Marzio, Chelsea is now out of the race to sign Osimhen, leaving PSG and Arsenal as the primary contenders. The striker has not participated in any of Napoli’s pre-season games and is training separately from the squad, fueling rumors about his future.

Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, confirmed that the player would not consider a loan move if he leaves Napoli this summer, despite reports that Chelsea might have considered a temporary switch with an option to buy.

Reports from Il Mattino indicate that Osimhen prioritizes a move to PSG, with personal terms reportedly agreed upon earlier this summer.

Victor Osimhen’s Napoli Stats (2023-24)

Osimhen, who joined Napoli for a club-record fee in 2020, scored 15 goals and provided three assists in 25 Serie A appearances last season. Despite his contributions, Napoli had a disappointing campaign, finishing 10th in Serie A and missing out on European football.