Chelsea’s pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen collapsed after the Blues offered him a base salary that was less than half his current wages, a report has revealed.
Osimhen was a main target throughout the summer window and talks accelerated in recent days when it became clear that Napoli were willing to lower his asking price and will no longer demand his release clause more than 100 million pounds.
Deadline day was dominated by reports of tense meetings between Chelsea and the representatives of Osimhen. The Blues are believed to have reached an agreement on a transfer rate with Naples, but could not agree terms with Osimhen.
according to Gianluca Di MarzioChelsea’s offer for Osimhen included a base salary of £3.4m, rising to £6.8m with Champions League qualification, and a number of other bonuses.
Osimhen, who currently earns £9.3m a year at Napoli, did not accept the offer and Chelsea refused to improve their proposal.
Deadline day was a chaotic one for Osimhen, who had agreed personal terms with Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli. There were reports of a transfer fee being agreed with Napoli, but the Serie A side are believed to have increased their demands by an extra £4.2m to £71.6m, frustrating Al Ahli and finally seeing them. turn to Ivan Toney for about half the price.
To make matters worse for Osimhen, he has since been left out of Napoli’s squad for the Serie A season, with manager Antonio Conte stating he will not be using the Nigeria international.
There are still a few days left before the Saudi transfer window closes, so Osimhen’s immediate future is still not sealed, but he now has the chance to spend the next four months on the sidelines until the transfer window opens. January
