Chelsea might not need to match Victor Osimhen’s €130 million release clause to get their long-term striker target, according to a report published by FourFourTwo.
Osimhen remained at Napoli when the January transfer window ended, despite persistent rumours linking him to Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester United.
Chelsea appear to have been in a pole position to sign the Nigeria international who is currently in Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with the Super Eagles to bolster their attack amid a Premier League disappointing season.
And according to transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, the Blues may be able to land the in-demand forward for less than the €130million that has been quoted in the media.
“We know that there’s this release clause with Victor Osimhen, and that will be used as a kind of market valuation, whether it’s triggered, or whether it’s matched in some form remains to be seen,” Jacobs told FourFourTwo, speaking on January 26.
“I think a lot of suitors feel like they may even be able to get a bit lower than the release clause for Victor Osimhen because it’s clear that if he thought that Napoli would be difficult, then he simply wouldn’t have extended: he would have then allowed himself to even go this month.
“There’s a very strong chance that Chelsea are at the front of the queue as things currently stand.
“So expect Chelsea to be there and I think Arsenal will be in the mix as well, looking at both Osimhen and Ivan Tony.
“We can’t rule out Manchester United but with Jim Ratcliffe coming in, it depends on where they finish and if they get Champions League football: they’re not necessarily going to have these giant budgets to spend.”
