Napoli send message to Chelsea over January transfer for Victor Osimhen

Osimhen expressed his desire to leave Napoli at the end of last season, and his future became a topic of significant speculation throughout the summer, with interest from clubs like Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Saudi Pro League team Al-Ahli.

Chelsea even sent a team to Naples to negotiate a deal for the 25-year-old, but the move fell through before the transfer deadline.

Osimhen subsequently joined Galatasaray on loan, where he has made an immediate impact, scoring two goals and providing two assists in his first three appearances in the Super Lig.

However, Italian reports suggest that Osimhen might be on the move again this winter, and the Nigerian international is reportedly “very interested” in a potential transfer to Chelsea.

His previous release clause of €130 million (£109 million) is no longer valid since his loan to Galatasaray, making him available for just €81 million (£68 million) when the January transfer window opens.

‘He no longer wanted to be part of the first-team,’ Napoli director Meluso said during the Palermo Football Conference this week.

‘He had received an important offer even before I arrived at Napoli, but [Napoli chairman] Aurelio De Laurentiis didn’t consider it because he thought about the club’s good.

‘He may have made wrong decisions but did them to keep Napoli competitive.’

Prior to his loan move to Galatasaray, Osimhen extended his contract with Napoli until 2027, as the Serie A club wanted to safeguard the value of their star player.

If Chelsea activates Osimhen’s £68 million buyout clause, £63 million would be paid to Napoli, while Galatasaray would receive the remaining £5 million.

Napoli director Mauro Meluso described Osimhen’s loan to Galatasaray as a “last-minute solution.”

‘It was a last-minute solution so he would not lose the first three months of the season,’ he added.

‘We will see in January.’