Despite hitting Wolves for six in their first Premier League win of the season, HITC understands that Chelsea still want a new striker before the transfer window closes on Friday.
Chelsea have once again had a busy summer on the transfer front and the run-in towards the end of the window will see The Blues doing further business.
Club sources confirm that a new number nine remains their last priority, along with moving on a host of players including the likes of Kepa, Raheem Sterling, Trevoh Chalobah and Ben Chilwell.
Victor Osimhen remains unconvinced by loan
And in terms of a number nine – Victor Osimhen remains their first choice and HITC understands Chelsea and Napoli are close to agreeing a deal for the Nigerian superstar, which would be an initial loan.
However, the deal is not currently progressing as the player is still not keen on a loan deal, something he and his agents have made clear throughout the summer.
It is believed that both Chelsea and Napoli believe a loan deal is an option that would be the ideal way forward, although the Italians would rather an obligation to be included.
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Talks are ongoing and despite Osimhen’s previously being insistent that he would not move on loan – there is some confidence at Stamford Bridge that a deal could be agreed.
With Romelu Lukaku’s move to Napoli all but agreed, that opens up the prospect of them being able to fulfil the player’s wage requirements which would see him earn over £300,000-a-week, and with bonuses he would become their highest paid player, ahead of Raheem Sterling – who currently holds that honour.
Al-Ahli make move for Osimhen
Another club who are willing to meet Osimhen’s demands are Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli – who have made a bid of £55million and are keen on landing him on a permanent deal and are more than willing to meet any wages demands.
Osimhen has previously rejected numerous offers to move to Saudi Arabia as he wanted to remain in Europe, but the league’s hierarchy class him a optimum signing and see him as a priority.
As it stands Chelsea appear Osimhen’s only option in Europe as previous suitors Paris Saint-Germain have yet to rekindle any interest that they showed earlier in the summer, but sources believe the French giants could yet make a renewed move before the end of the month.
Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calendo reiterated on Monday the player’s desire to remain in Europe and his unhappiness about his treatment.
“Osimhen is a Napoli player, with a contract recently renewed with mutual satisfaction… As I said, it is not a package to be shipped far away…he still has so much to do in Europe. There is need respect and balance.”
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