BREAKING: Chelsea makes Victor Osimhen fresh decision as two Plan B options emerge
Chelsea are set to open crunch talks with Victor Osimhen’s representatives this week as they attempt to strike a compromise over the striker’s €12 million-per-year wage demands, FootballTransfers can reveal.
Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray, is almost guaranteed to be sold by Napoli this summer and Chelsea are among the clubs chasing a deal for the Nigeria international ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
In fact, sources have informed us that Osimhen’s salary expectations remain the only major stumbling block preventing him from completing a summer move to Stamford Bridge.
As exclusively revealed in early April, we understand that Osimhen wants to join Chelsea and that Chelsea want to sign Osimhen, but a deal is complicated due to his wage demands.
The Blues are now exploring potential ways to structure a deal that aligns with their internal wage framework, although Osimhen is unlikely to lower his salary expectations without incentives built into the contract.
If an agreement can’t be reached, we have been told that Chelsea will pivot to alternative targets.
Chelsea’s Victor Osimhen alternatives
FootballTransfers understands that Chelsea have identified Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap as potential ‘Plan B’ options should their pursuit of Osimhen end in disappointment.
Osimhen has been admired by the Chelsea hierarchy for several years and the Nigerian has identified Enzo Maresca’s side as his preferred destination this summer, although the Blues may be forced to target an alternative centre forward if a compromise over his wages isn’t reached.
Osimhen has scored 33 goals and provided eight assists in 38 appearances across all competitions for Galatasaray so far this season, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €66.5 million.
Manchester United have also been linked with a move for Osimhen this summer, although a Saudi Pro League switch appears more likely than an Old Trafford transfer given his wage demands.