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Chelsea could have a clear run at signing Victor Osimhen after Paris Saint-Germain dropped their interest and pulled out of the transfer race to sign the Napoli striker this summer.
It’s been another frantic transfer window for Chelsea, with ten new recruits entering through the doors at Stamford Bridge with a view to kick-starting the Enzo Maresca era.
And while the Blues have been left with a bloated squad of 43 players, it appears club bosses are far from done in the market and work is ongoing behind the scenes to capture a top-class centre-forward.
Nicolas Jackson’s wasteful finishing in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City only amplified calls for the club to bring in a proven striker before the transfer deadline.
Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion had appeared on the verge of completing a switch to west London, only for the deal to collapse – which has seen Osimhen return to the fore as a potential solution up front once again.
Reports last week claimed Romelu Lukaku and Cesare Casadei had both been offered to Napoli in exchange for Osimhen, with Maresca supporting Chelsea’s bid to land the Nigeria international.
PSG have also been credited with a strong interest in Osimhen this summer and a serious ankle injury to Goncalo Ramos intensified rumours that the Ligue 1 giants could revisit the possibility of signing the Napoli attacker.
But according to French publication L’Equipe, PSG have decided against pursuing a deal for Osimhen after securing the signing of Desire Doue from Rennes at the weekend.
Luis Enrique is prepared to press ahead with Randal Kolo Muani as the focal point of his attack during Ramos’ prolonged period on the sidelines in the French capital.
Osimhen, Michel Folorunsho, Gianluca Gaetano and Mario Rui were all left out of Napoli’s matchday squad to face Verona on Sunday pending potential transfer moves.
The 25-year-old Nigerian is tied into a contract in Naples until summer of 2026.
Speaking ahead of Napoli’s 3-0 defeat to Verona, the club’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, claimed Osimhen’s possible departure remained ‘blocked’ for the time being.
‘The situation is blocked. Victor is an important player, with an important value and conditions. His desire is clear,’ Manna told reporters.
‘We tried to maintain the integrity of the squad at this moment.
‘We are not the only club in this situation and we’ll see what happens over the next ten days.’
Asked if Osimhen was leaning towards Chelsea, PSG or even Arsenal, Manna replied: ‘At this time, it is not right to say what sensations there are.
‘We are working with his entourage to find the best solution.
‘As we said, he is an important player, so it’s not that we can just find him anywhere.’
Manna refused to rule out the possibility that Osimhen could still be a Napoli player when the transfer window closes.
‘He is under contract for another two seasons.
‘So, clearly, if we don’t find a solution by August 30, we’ll have to talk to the player.’
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