Saudi Pro League’s stance on Victor Osimhen move as deadline day deal to Chelsea falls through

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

HITC understands that the Saudi Pro League are still keen on signing Napoli forward Victor Osimhen before Monday’s deadline.

We reported that Chelsea were trying to negotiate a deal with Napoli for Victor Osimhen despite it looking like Al-Ahli were going to sign the Nigerian forward.

Al-Ahli had agreed a fee with Napoli and indeed personal terms with Osimhen but the Saudi Pro League side have still not completed the signing of the prolific forward.

However, unlike the Premier League, the transfer window in the Saudi Pro League does not close until Monday and sources have told HITC that Al-Ahli are still keen on signing Osimhen before that deadline.

Al-Ahli still keen on Victor Osimhen move

Osimhen agreed terms in principle with Al-Ahli but whilst that was ongoing, talks were continuing with Chelsea over a possible deal and the Nigerian was willing to wait until the end of the English window on Friday evening.

Chelsea, who had delegation in Naples trying to hammer out terms for the 25-year-old, failed to agree terms but at the same time Napoli and Al-Ahli had a falling out over their deal which was agreed with the Italians asking for more money.

Al-Ahli were angered by Napoli which prompted them to complete a deal for Ivan Toney – who they were talking with in tandem whilst negotiating with Osimhen.

The Saudi side struck an agreement with Brentford forward Toney, who was also linked with a move to Chelsea but the English side were keen on Osimhen but they could not get a deal over the line.

Napoli’s stance on Victor Osimhen move

HITC now understands that Napoli have confirmed to Osimhen that they don’t intend to reintegrate him into their squad if he stayed.

The 25-year-old forward can either not play or move to Saudi Arabia as we can confirm that the Pro League hierarchy wants Osimhen in their league.

So whilst a move to Al-Ahli is off-the-table there is still a chance he could move to the Saudi Pro League by Monday, and talks are due to take place over the weekend.