Victor Osimhen transfer news. African footballers. Chelsea appear to have gained an advantage in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen after Napoli’s 3-0 Serie A loss to Verona over the weekend. Chelsea has already discussed a potential loan deal for Osimhen, with Romelu Lukaku possibly going the other way, though Napoli still prefers a permanent sale.
Despite joining pre-season training, Osimhen was left out of Napoli’s squad for a friendly against Girona and also missed their Coppa Italia win over Modena. He was absent again when Napoli started their Serie A season on Saturday.
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Paris Saint-Germain is also interested in the 25-year-old, but they are hesitant to meet his asking price. However, with an injury to Goncalo Ramos, PSG might need a new striker, though they may need to sell a key player first.
Another injury could further impact Osimhen’s future and give Chelsea a boost. During Napoli’s recent defeat, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia played as a false nine in Osimhen’s absence but had to be taken off before halftime due to an injury after a collision. While his injury doesn’t seem serious, it could increase pressure on Napoli and make them more eager to pursue Lukaku.
Chelsea recently had a bid for Lukaku rejected, as Napoli values him at £32 million (€40 million). However, Napoli might lower their demands for Osimhen, making a deal more likely.
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More about Victor Osimhen
Victor James Osimhen is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a striker for Napoli in Serie A and the Nigeria national team.
He began his professional career with VfL Wolfsburg in 2017, then moved on loan to Charleroi for the 2018–19 season. After that, he joined Lille, scoring 18 goals in one season. In 2020, he made a record €70 million move to Napoli. He was named Serie A’s Best Young Player for the 2021–22 season and became the top scorer in the league with 26 goals in 2022–23, helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in 33 years. He is also the highest-scoring African player in Serie A history.
Internationally, Osimhen won the Golden Boot at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup and made his senior debut for Nigeria in 2017. He played in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 and 2023 and is the joint-third highest goal scorer for Nigeria. In 2023, he finished eighth in the Ballon d’Or and was named African Footballer of the Year, becoming the first Nigerian to win this award since 1999.