Report: Why Victor Osimhen is being offered to Chelsea ahead of Xabi Alonso’s arrival

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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been offered to Chelsea by representatives and intermediaries ahead of a potential transfer this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

​The Blues are expected to be highly active in the upcoming transfer window, with significant squad changes expected as players are sold to make room for new signings. This overhaul coincides with the club’s recent announcement of Xabi Alonso as their new manager.

​The Spanish tactician will be eager to guide the club back to success in the coming seasons, which may need Chelsea to make some concessions on their recent transfer policy.

New Chelsea coach Xabi Alonso
Xabi Alonso. Copyright: xIsmaelxAdnanxIMAGO

​Since Todd Boehly and the Clearlake Capital consortium took ownership of Stamford Bridge, the club’s strategy has focused heavily on signing young prospects with the intention of developing and eventually selling them for a premium.

However, this policy is yet to yield the silverware Chelsea regularly enjoyed during the Roman Abramovich era.

​Why Victor Osimhen Could Join Chelsea

Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen. Copyright: xSeskimphotox IMAGO

​When Osimhen was on the market two years ago, Chelsea was among the clubs heavily linked with his signature. But a deal failed to materialize after negotiations with Napoli stalled.

​The 27-year-old marksman is currently at Galatasaray, where he has been in sensational form, racking up 59 goals and 16 assists in 74 appearances.

​His stellar performances have sparked interest from elite European clubs, including Barcelona, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.

However, none have made an official approach yet, as Galatasaray is expected to demand a marquee fee to let him leave.

​With Alonso taking the reins at Stamford Bridge, the new manager will likely demand a marquee signing upfront.

Currently, João Pedro is the only proven, high-quality striker in the squad. And as such, recruiting a world-class number nine will be a top priority.

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray A.S. warms up
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray A.S. (Photo by Imago)

​According to English transfer expert Graeme Bailey, Osimhen has been offered to the Blues because intermediaries believe Alonso is keen on a forward with the exact profile and attributes of the Nigerian star.

​Can Chelsea Secure Osimhen’s Signature?

​Despite Osimhen being offered to Chelsea, several major obstacles make a summer transfer difficult to execute.

​Asides from a potentially astronomical transfer fee, Chelsea would have to deal with his massive salary.

Nigeria and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen
Nigeria and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen. Copyright: xSeskimphotox IMAGO

Osimhen currently earns a net weekly wage of €288,000—more than double that of Chelsea’s highest earner, Reece James. Introducing such a contract would badly disrupt the club’s current wage structure.

​Also, the Super Eagles striker has repeatedly stated that he is settled and happy in Turkey, meaning it would take a very big project—and financial package—to convince him to move to Stamford Bridge.

​With the summer transfer window rapidly approaching, speculation surrounding Osimhen’s future is only going to intensify.

<!-- Author Start -->Kelvin Omachonu<!-- Author End -->

Kelvin Omachonu

Sports Writer

Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is also a basketball fan