Chelsea has marked Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a top priority target in anticipation of the upcoming January transfer window.
Osimhen played a crucial role in Napoli clinching the Serie A title, netting 31 goals across all competitions last season and maintaining his impressive form in the current campaign.
The Evening Standard indicates that Osimhen is Chelsea’s foremost choice, especially after Mauricio Pochettino’s team compiled a three-man shortlist to strengthen their forward line following a lackluster start to the season.
Additionally, Chelsea is considering banned Brentford forward Ivan Toney, who comes with an estimated cost of around £100 million, and 18-year-old Antonio Nusa from Club Brugge.
While Toney brings a wealth of proven top-flight goal-scoring experience, Nusa remains somewhat of an enigma with just seven career goals. However, he is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most esteemed wonderkids, having already represented Norway four times and scoring once.
Each of the three players possesses unique qualities and promising prospects, but Osimhen stands out as the standout name, given his stellar performance as one of Europe’s best players last season.
Currently recuperating from a hamstring injury sustained during the international break in October, the 24-year-old Nigerian forward has already netted six goals in Serie A this season.
He has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League before the start of this season and recently expressed his admiration for the EPL during his formative years.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has demonstrated astute business acumen in managing speculation around the Nigerian’s transfer, placing a £150 million price tag on his prized asset during the summer.
Amid discussions about Victor Osimhen’s contract extension at Napoli, which is set to expire in 2025, there are ongoing talks to prolong his tenure at the Diego Maradona Stadium until 2026.
Napoli aims to retain Osimhen at least until the summer, and according to the Evening Standard, Chelsea is anticipated to finalize their January transfer plans by mid-December.