Victor Osimhen Set for £67.3m Move to Al Ahli, Chelsea Left Behind

Chelsea Miss Out on Victor Osimhen: What’s Next for The Blues?

Chelsea FC are set to miss out on the Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who is closing in on a lucrative £67.3 million (€80 million) transfer to Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli. This unexpected turn of events has left fans and analysts alike speculating about Chelsea's next steps as the transfer deadline looms.

The Osimhen Situation: A Chelsea Dream Deferred

The 25-year-old forward, who impressed during his time at Napoli, had been on Chelsea's radar all summer long, with the club reportedly preparing to bring him on loan with an obligation to buy. However, their hopes were dashed as Al Ahli, who had been admirers of Osimhen for quite some time, moved in with a serious offer. The Saudi club has agreed to a four-year contract worth approximately £33.6 million (€40 million) per season, or about £646,154 per week tax-free!

Immediate Consequences: A Medical and A Release Clause

Victor Osimhen is expected to undergo a medical with Al Ahli on Friday, indicating that he is on the verge of joining the club. It is noteworthy that Napoli preferred this destination for Osimhen, who was previously linked with several other clubs.

As the Saudi Pro League transfer window closes on Monday, Napoli is already taking action by replacing the outgoing Osimhen with Romelu Lukaku, who recently transferred from Chelsea.

What Went Wrong for Chelsea?

Before the decision was made, Osimhen's agent Roberto Calenda insisted that the striker had "so much to do in Europe," raising hopes for Chelsea. However, the reality is that Chelsea's financial offer fell short of what Osimhen wanted, especially considering the club’s new wage structure.

Chelsea Turning to Alternatives: Who’s Next?

With the potential loss of Osimhen, Chelsea may now pivot their focus toward Ivan Toney from Brentford. The club reportedly made an initial approach earlier this week, eyeing Toney due to his impressive scoring record and Premier League experience.

Brentford's Stance on Toney

Toney, who has less than a year left on his contract with Brentford, was absent in the first two Premier League matches against Crystal Palace and Liverpool, along with missing the Carabao Cup match against Colchester United. Despite this, Brentford is bracing themselves for Toney potentially staying with the club.

Other Striker Targets for Chelsea

• Jhon Duran from Aston Villa is still on Chelsea’s watchlist.
• Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Everton has also been identified as a possible target by Sky Sports News.

Experts Weigh In: Does Chelsea Need a Striker?

Football analysts and former players, such as Jamie Carragher, have emphasized the urgent need for Chelsea to sign a striker. Carragher stated, "There's no doubt Chelsea need a striker - we've seen Nicolas Jackson's struggles since his arrival. With Romelu Lukaku reuniting with Antonio Conte at Napoli, the need for a proven goalscorer is critical for Chelsea."

Conclusion

As the hours tick down to transfer deadline, Chelsea stands at a crossroads. With the window closing soon and options narrowing, fans will be eagerly watching what decisions the club makes in their hunt for a new striking force. Will they land Toney or opt for another target? Only time will tell.