- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that the Victor Osimhen saga could well be coming to an end with hours remaining of the transfer window.
We reported earlier this month that Chelsea were in talks with Napoli over a deal for Victor Osimhen with the Blues negotiating a separate move for Romelu Lukaku.
Napoli agreed terms with Chelsea for Lukaku earlier this week but Nigerian forward Osimhen remains at the Italian club and the Blues would have to get a move on if they want to bring in the 25-year-old forward.
However, HITC understands that the Saudi Pro League have now taken a big step forward in their hopes of landing the prolific Nigerian.
Al-Ahli strike agreement for Victor Osimhen
Al-Ahli sources have told to HITC that they have agreed terms Victor Osimhen to move to Saudi Arabia.
Ahli have been pushing hard and terms were agreed last week over the overall deal which is worth around €80 million (£72 million) but the issue was whether Osimhen would move to the Middle East.
Sources have confirmed to HITC that they have now reached an agreement with Osimhen on a four-year deal, but the main point is that his deal will include a clause that will allow the Nigerian striker to return to Europe in the future.
A clause like this, that would allow Osimhen to return to Europe in the future, is highly unusual but a deal for the Nigerian forward now looks close to being completed.
Chelsea suffer further blow as major Ivan Toney update emerges
Despite being locked in talks with Napoli, even as late as Thursday, Chelsea now look set to miss out on the Nigerian forward this summer.
HITC understands that the deal that Chelsea put to him was just not acceptable in terms of wages but mainly because they did not include an obligation to buy the forward in their loan move.
There had been some concern about what this move for Osimhen meant for Ivan Toney’s prospective move from Al-Ahli but there has been a major update on this deal.
HITC has been told that the Pro League side Al-Ahli have agreed terms with Brentford for a fee in the region of £40 million and Toney is now set for a medical.
Ahli have now agreed both deals with Osimhen and Toney, but they are yet to confirm if they will progress with both moves.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
