On transfer deadline day, Victor Osimhen’s move from Napoli to Chelsea did not go through.
The Nigeria international had been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge on deadline day, but the parties were unable to reach a deal, placing the 25-year-old in a tight situation while requesting a wage contract of more than £300,000 per week.
According to Italian sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, negotiations between Napoli and Chelsea fell through late in the window.
“Despite the fact that a new proposal was submitted two hours ago, Victor Osimhen and Chelsea were unable to reach an agreement. Victor Osimhen’s deal is completely off. There was no agreement with Chelsea, and the #CFC delegation is already leaving Napoli.
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“If nothing happens from Saudi in the next three days, Osimhen will stay at Napoli but he’s not gonna be part of the first-team squad. Relationship currently completely broken,” Romano wrote on his social media platforms.
According to reports, Chelsea was prepared to resume negotiations with the striker, but their approach was met with silence, leading the Blues to conclude that the deal was off.
In addition, Napoli and Al-Ahli of the Saudi Pro League had reportedly discussed a trade of Osimhen for €80 million. The agreement fell through because Napoli requested an additional €5 million in bonuses on top of the €80 million that was given, even though Osimhen had agreed on personal terms with Al-Ahli for an incredible €30 million per season.
It looks like Osimhen’s future is currently uncertain. His options are restricted because of his fractured relationship with Napoli coach Antonio Conte and the club’s unwillingness to pay him a sizable salary while benching him.