Chelsea are reportedly ready to continue their huge transfers under co-owner Todd Boehly to land Manchester United target Victor Osimhen. Despite spending over £300m in January, including a record £107m for Enzo Fernandez, the Blues still lack a number nine to lead their attack in what could be Chelsea’s next investment.
The Mirror claims Chelsea have joined the race to sign Napoli sensation Osimhen this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain also interested in the Nigerian striker. Napoli want around £100m for their star, having spent £62m to sign him from Lille in 2020.
The 24-year-old is likely to be one of the most sought after players on the market this summer as he has scored 14 goals in 16 Serie A appearances so far this season. Napoli are one of the most impressive teams in Europe and are 13 points clear of second-placed Inter Milan.
Despite Chelsea’s huge move, Kai Havertz has remained Potter’s first striker, while United are also in the hunt for a number nine after Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract at Old Trafford was terminated ahead of the World Cup.
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Osimhen is reportedly on the list of potential Red Devils signings, alongside Harry Kane, Goncalo Ramos and Mohamed Kudus, but Chelsea are said to be willing to pay a heavy price to sign the Nigerian striker.
Wout Weghorst was loaned out by Burnley last month as a short-term option, but if funds are available this summer United are likely to target a top striker such as Osimhen. His contract with Napoli expires in 2025 and the Italian club could be forced to sell their star if it turns out he won’t sign a new contract with the club.
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Former Chelsea and United manager Jose Mourinho recently pointed to an element of Osimhen’s game which would not impress any of his former clubs, in a potential warning to his suitors. “He is on the same level as [Didier] Drogba, but Didier didn’t dive,” Mourinho said after his Roma side lost 2-1 to Napoli, where Osimhen scored the game’s first goal with a superb volley.
“If Victor changes, then OK. I would buy it if I was in a club with lots of money. But if he goes to England one day, he must change, because in Italy, we tolerate this kind of behavior, while in the Premier League, we would take it high.
“I told him he had scored a wonderful goal and he had to stop diving so much. His goal was fantastic, he did the same when we met earlier this season, so he’s a fantastic player. But he must not dive. »
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