Chelsea at alert as Barcelona, Atletico Madrid target Super Eagles star Osimhen

Chelsea are once again watching the future of Victor Osimhen very closely after fresh reports claimed both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are planning a move for the Super Eagles star, Afrik-Foot reports.

The London club have followed the Super Eagles star for years, from his early rise at Lille to his goal-filled spell at Napoli where he became one of Europe’s most feared strikers.

Chelsea came close to signing him in 2024, but talks broke down late in the summer window. That collapse led to Osimhen spending a season on loan at Galatasaray, before the Turkish giants later made the move permanent in a record deal.

🚨🔵 Deal completely OFF for Victor Osimhen.

No agreement with Chelsea and #CFC delegation now leaving Napoli.

If nothing happens from Saudi next 3 days, Osimhen will stay at Napoli but he’s NOT gonna be part of the first team squad.

Relationship currently completely broken. pic.twitter.com/XEF5j6Y2To

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2024

Even after settling in Istanbul, Osimhen remains one of the most talked-about strikers in world football. Chelsea have been linked with him almost every summer, but his high salary demands have always proved a stumbling block.

Now, with rival clubs circling, the Blues may need to move faster than ever if they still dream of bringing him to Stamford Bridge, according to Football Transfers.

Victor Osimhen: Spanish giants prepare their own move

According to reports in Spain, Atletico Madrid have made Osimhen their main attacking target for the coming transfer window.

Manager Diego Simeone is believed to be planning ahead, with uncertainty surrounding the future of star forward Julian Alvarez, who has attracted interest from top English and Spanish clubs.

Osimhen has already impressed in Turkey this season, scoring regularly and showing the pace, power and finishing that made him famous in Italy. Atletico see him as a perfect fit for their fast, aggressive style as they aim to challenge Real Madrid and Barcelona for the title.

Barcelona are also keeping a close eye on the Nigerian striker. The Catalan club view the Galatasaray forward as a possible long-term replacement for veteran forward Robert Lewandowski and do not want Atletico beating them to another high-profile African signing after their Ademola Lookman debacle.

However, Galatasaray hold a strong position. Osimhen still has more than three years left on his contract, meaning any club hoping to sign him will likely need to make a huge offer.

However, if Chelsea truly want Osimhen, this summer could be their last real chance.