Chelsea has officially made a move to sign Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen, submitting a transfer bid after months of speculation about a high-profile switch to the Premier League club.
The Blues’ offer follows Osimhen’s decision to seek a departure from Napoli, where he has excelled since joining in 2020.
According to transfer expert Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea submitted a formal bid to Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, with negotiations with Napoli starting on Wednesday, August 28.
It remains uncertain whether all parties can finalize an agreement before the transfer window closes on August 31.
Chelsea is keen to bolster their attacking options before the deadline and has identified Brentford’s Ivan Toney as a potential alternative if the Osimhen deal falls through.
Osimhen has been a standout performer for Napoli, netting 76 goals in 133 appearances over three seasons. His exceptional form has earned him accolades, including the African Footballer of the Year title and an eighth-place finish in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
While Al-Ahli recently tabled a €70 million offer, Osimhen is reportedly focused on continuing his career in Europe. He remains under contract with Napoli until June 2026, with a release clause set at €130 million.
Chelsea is not alone in the race for Osimhen’s signature, as Paris Saint-Germain also shows interest, having reached a preliminary agreement with the striker earlier this summer.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku is on the verge of joining Napoli. The Belgian forward underwent a medical in Naples on Wednesday and is expected to sign his contract shortly, marking a potential swap of forwards between the clubs.