Chelsea has identified Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as their primary striker target for the upcoming summer of 2024, initiating talks with the player’s representatives.
The club aims to secure Osimhen’s signature by proactively positioning themselves for negotiations as the transfer landscape is anticipated to change.
Despite Osimhen’s current focus on Napoli and the unlikelihood of a January move, Chelsea is strategically preparing for potential alterations in the summer.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino, faced with a lack of consistent goal-scoring prowess in the squad, particularly up front, is keen on reinforcing the striking department, which has been a recurring issue throughout the season.
Insiders familiar with the situation at Stamford Bridge reveal Pochettino’s emphasis on acquiring experience, considering the team’s reliance on young and inconsistent forwards like Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja.
The club is set to intensify efforts to persuade Osimhen to join Chelsea, anticipating discussions with Napoli later in the year, assuming personal terms negotiations proceed smoothly.
Osimhen’s release clause of 130 million euros is expected to expedite any potential transfer.
While direct communication between Chelsea and Napoli is yet to occur, the club has a contingency plan with alternative striking options if securing Osimhen becomes challenging.
Players such as Dusan Vlahovic, Victor Boniface, Viktor Gyokeres, and Evan Ferguson are on Chelsea’s radar, although no concrete steps have been taken for these alternatives.
Despite Chelsea’s clear prioritization of Osimhen, no substantial actions have been taken regarding the mentioned alternatives.
Intermediaries have proposed Vlahovic to the club, and senior officials are well-informed about Gyokeres, Boniface, and Ferguson.
It is acknowledged that Chelsea explored the possibility of Osimhen moving to Al Hilal in the Saudi Pro League back in 2017.
However, recent indications suggest it is unlikely for Osimhen to consider such a move if presented again this year.
