Chelsea hand United Osimhen advantage
Chelsea have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign in-demand Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, giving their Premier League rivals Manchester United an advantage in the pursuit of the player, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The West Londoners were heavily linked with a big-money move to sign the 26-year-old, among other high-profile targets, last summer, but a transfer to Stamford Bridge ultimately failed to materialise after they failed to agree personal terms with Osimhen.
According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea have now decided to step back from the race to sign the striker this summer, despite holding an interest in Osimhen last year.
The report adds that Chelsea do not consider Osimhen as one of their main striker targets and their interest has subsequently cooled, despite his impressive goalscoring form in Turkey.
Enzo Maresca’s side are now said to be focused on exploring other options to strengthen their frontline, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko both placed higher on their wishlist.
Chelsea’s decision to distance themselves from the race to sign Osimhen has boosted Manchester United and Juventus’ hopes of recruiting the striker this summer.
It is understood that Juventus have identified Osimhen as an ideal replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, who could leave the Serie A giants after the FIFA Club World Cup which concludes in July.
PUNCH Sports Extra had also reported that Osimhen’s parent club, Napoli, are willing to lower the player’s asking price of €75m for Manchester United, to prevent him from joining Serie A rivals Juventus.
The Red Devils are said to have submitted an official bid for the 2022/23 Serie A top scorer.
The player has also been widely reported to favour a move to the Premier League than a return to the Serie A.
After seeing a deal to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli fall through, Osimhen was determined to leave Napoli and eventually completed a season-long loan move to Turkish giants Galatasaray where he is currently flourishing.
Osimhen has enjoyed a prolific 2024/25 campaign in front of goal, netting 28 times in 32 appearances across all competitions for a Galatasaray side who sit three points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig and are still in with a chance of winning the Turkish Cup.
Although his loan deal doesn’t include an option to buy, Galatasaray are said to be exploring financial options to keep the player permanently as well but they will have to fend off other top European teams that Napoli will look to sell the striker to.
