Following several reports linking Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to a move to the Premiership with Chelsea reportedly interested in signing the Napoli striker, former Blues defender Glen Johnson is confident that the Super Eagles striker will move to Stamford Bridge.
Amid interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, Chelsea, PSG, and Bayern Munich were all linked with the Nigeria striker last summer, but Napoli refused to let him go.
Osimhen has proven himself to be one of the most prolific strikers in Europe, as his 26 goals helped Napoli win their first Scudetto in 33 years and was last season’s Serie A top scorer.
The 24-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer of 2025, has refused to sign a new deal with the Serie A champions, paving the way for a possible summer exit.
Johnson, a 39-year-old former right-back who made 72 appearances for Chelsea, is confident Osimhen will play at Chelsea when he leaves Italy.
“Regardless of what’s happening at Napoli, I believe Victor Osimhen would want to join Chelsea anyway,” Johnson said as reported by Chelstransfer on Twitter.
Read also Chelsea make Osimhen top transfer priority
“However, Victor will be kicking himself that this move could happen when Chelsea transitions. Of course, they’re a big team, and they’re going to bounce back eventually.
“But as long as Victor is willing to wait 18 months or so for that to happen, then I’m sure he’d still want to sign for them in January.”
Napoli signed Osimhen from Lille in the French Ligue in 2020 for roughly €70 million, and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis will not let his best player depart for a modest sum.
The 24-year-old Nigerian international is worth more than £100 million. A figure Chelsea should be willing to match if Osimhen is to join them.
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