According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano Chelsea appeared reluctant to activate the €130 million buyout clause in Victor Osimhen‘s contract with Napoli.
Osimhen, who signed a new deal with Napoli late last year, has a hefty release clause set at approximately €130 million, a price Napoli’s president, Aurelien De Laurentiis, is adamant about not negotiating below.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year has attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain, who see him as a potential replacement for French superstar Kylian Mbappe.
The 25-year-old Nigerian striker has been instrumental for Napoli, aiding the team in securing its first league title in over three decades last season. Since he arrived at the club in 2020, Osimhen has netted 76 goals and provided 18 assists in 131 appearances for Die Partenopei.
Speaking on the Here We Go Podcast Romano revealed that Chelsea are yet to initiate formal negotiations with Napoli or Osimhen representatives regarding the striker’s potential transfer.
“We’ve received many questions from our listeners on Victor Osimhen but what we can say is that at the moment between Chelsea and Victor Osimhen, and Chelsea and Napoli there is not a proper negotiation.
“Chelsea’s interest in Osimhen is something they already had since November. In December they started some contacts to understand the release clause situation, and the contract situation but Chelsea have still not decided how much they want to invest in a striker.
“Chelsea are not negotiating for Victor Osimhen and it’s also important to say that Chelsea don’t want to pay super crazy money for Osimhen.
“It’s a big release clause, around €120m-1€30m, and also a big salary requested by the player, big commission, that’s why Chelsea are still taking their time and remember they are still following younger strikers like Šeško and many others who can be interesting options ahead of the summer transfer window.”
Despite their interest in Osimhen dating back to November, Chelsea began preliminary discussions in December to assess the release clause and contract terms. However, they have not made a definitive decision on their willingness to invest in a striker.
Chelsea’s reluctance stems from the substantial release clause, estimated at around €120 million to €130 million, coupled with the player’s significant salary demands and agent fees.
Chelsea are now exploring alternative options, including younger strikers like Šeško, ahead of the summer transfer window.
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