Major setback for Chelsea as Victor Osimhen nears new Napoli deal

Fabrizio Romano reported that Napoli and Osimhen are close to agreeing on a contract extension, which would prolong his stay until 2026 and likely include a release clause, potentially valued at €130m.

Victor Osimhen Going To Sign A New Contract With Napoli
Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images and Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Fabrizio Romano has disclosed that Napoli and Osimhen have tentatively agreed on a new contract. Although the striker’s existing deal runs until the end of the following season, this new arrangement extends it to 2026 and may involve a release clause.

Osimhen’s impressive tally of six goals in 11 Serie A matches this season might influence the terms of his new contract, potentially introducing a release clause valued at €130m, as per the report. The specific amount for the clause remains undecided. However, the prospect of a new contract deals a setback to Chelsea, who were reportedly considering a bid for the forward in January.

Since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020 for a club-record fee of €70m (£60m/$76m) plus add-ons of €10m (£9m/$11m), Osimhen has been a key figure. Triggering his release clause could lead to a substantial profit for Napoli.

While a significant transfer appears inevitable for the 24-year-old in the future, for now, his focus remains on scoring goals for Napoli. Nevertheless, given Chelsea’s history of big spending in previous winter transfer windows, the possibility of a substantial offer from them in January cannot be dismissed.

Chelsea performance and stats

Chelsea

Manager: Mauricio Pochettino Trossero
Rank 7th
Win 16
Draw 9
Loss 11
Goals 73-61
Diff 12

Chelsea is currently 12th in the Premier League with 19 points.

In the last 16 games, it has won 5 times, drawn 4 times, and lost 7 times. In its last match, Chelsea lost 2-0 against Everton.​​

It has a even goal difference after scoring 26 goals and conceding 26.​

Chelsea will play the next match in Premier League against Sheffield United on Saturday 16th of December in Kingston upon Thames. The prediction is Chelsea winning the match.​