Chelsea's face Barcelona transfer battle over 'cheaper' Victor Osimhen alternative once on Tottenham's radar
The star has been linked with a move to Chelsea’s ever expanding squad despite La Liga wishes
Chelsea have pinpointed Juventus star Federico Chiesa as a potential alternative if the ongoing negotiations with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen fail to lead to a transfer deal. The Blues are said to be back in the mix to bring the Nigerian striker to Stamford Bridge, despite the reported talks between Osimhen’s camp and Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli, who are said to have recently made a transfer bid in the region for £55m.
Taking to X, Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol wrote: “Chelsea have been back in talks about signing Victor Osimhen from Napoli over the past few days. Difficult deal to do but terms of potential deal may be becoming more favourable for Chelsea.”
It is thought that the impending sale of Romelu Lukaku to Napoli for £38m will aid the Blues in their pursuit of Osimhen but the latest news from Sports Journalist Matt Hughes indicates that Osimhen’s ‘extraordinary’ salary demands are holding up the process. Taking to X, Hughes (via Transfer News) wrote: “Chelsea’s bid to sign Victor Osimhen is being held up by his extraordinary £500,000-a-week demands.
“Federico Chiesa and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are being considered by Chelsea as cheaper options.”
Chiesa, however, is said to have placed all his eggs in Barcelona’s basket, after it was revealed earlier this summer that his current club Juventus would be willing to sell him.
The new Juve boss Thiago Motta is thought not to have Chiesa in his plans for the 2024/25 season and previous reports from Sky Sports Italia indicated that “all parties are confident” that the Italian international will soon be playing for the Catalan giants with Chiesa ‘keen’ to play for Hansi Flick.
Such news has evidently not prevented Chiesa from remaining on Chelsea’s watchlist with the required £17m for his signature a much more appealing option than the necessary £500,000-a-week for Osimhen. The 26-year-old Italian has not been without his admirers in the Premier League this transfer window, with Manchester United having also reportedly been keeping tabs on the star.
North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were also both said to be interest in inquiring about Chiesa’s availability with reports back in July suggesting the Gunners were quick to make a new approach for the forward after Spurs ‘failed to turn interest into negotiation’.
While such interest from Chelsea’s ‘Big Six’ rivals appears to have faded, the Blues appear to remain watchful of Chiesa’s European movements with Todd Boehly’s club ready to pounce on securing the ex-Fiorentina man if any potential deal with goal-scoring sensation Osimhen falls through.