Blues Opt for Alternative Targets After Balking at Nigerian Star’s Wage Demands
In a surprising twist to Chelsea’s summer transfer plans, the club has reportedly walked away from a potential deal for long-time target Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian striker, who has been on Chelsea’s radar for over a year, now appears set for Saudi Arabia after the Premier League giants refused to meet his substantial salary demands.
The Wage Wall
Sources reveal the €12 million annual wage request from the 26-year-old Napoli loanee proved the stumbling block for Chelsea’s hierarchy. Club legend John Obi Mikel confirmed the disappointing news to talkSPORT, admitting: “Everybody knows the number nine I want us to get – and we’re not getting him.”
Instead, Chelsea have pivoted to younger, more cost-effective options. The Blues have:
• Triggered Liam Delap’s €35m release clause from Ipswich
• Handed the 21-year-old their prestigious No. 9 shirt
• Advanced talks for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike
Osimhen’s Saudi Switch
With Chelsea out of the running, Osimhen appears Saudi-bound. Reliable journalist Ben Jacobs reports Al-Hilal have submitted a formal offer to the 2023 Serie A top scorer, who spent last season on loan at Galatasaray.
While some fans may lament missing out on the prolific Nigerian, Mikel emphasized the importance of internal competition: “Delap needs to push Nicolas Jackson… We now have healthy competition.” The young Englishman faces an immediate test – whether to join Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad or England’s U21 Euros campaign.
As Chelsea’s striker search takes this unexpected turn, the pressure mounts on their new signings to deliver where big-name targets couldn’t be secured. For Osimhen, a lucrative Middle Eastern move now seems the most likely next chapter in his nomadic career.
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