Napoli make new Victor Osimhen decision as Chelsea on transfer red alert and £50m deal agreed

Chelsea have been handed a major update over the future of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. A permanent move away from Italy has been on the cards for some time, with the Blues mentioned as a potential destination.

Osimhen spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals across 41 appearances in all competitions. The striker will now return to Napoli but is reportedly expected to leave the Serie A champions this summer, this time on a permanent deal.

Chelsea are continuing to be linked with signing Osimhen, despite the Blues already being busy in the summer transfer window.

Liam Delap has already arrived in a £30million deal from Ipswich Town, while Chelsea are also looking to finalise deals for Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund and Joao Pedro from Brighton which will reach a combined value worth £115million.

According to Italian news outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli have informed Osimhen of their plan to invite the striker back for pre-season training. The report claims that Osimhen is expected to return for medical tests that will be completed on either July 14 or 15.

It has been reported that Napoli fully expect Osimhen to leave the club on a permanent deal this summer, and are waiting for a team outside Italy to activate the €75million (£64million) release clause in his contract.

It remains to be seen where Osimhen will be playing his football next season, with Chelsea just one club to have been mentioned as a potential destination for the striker.

Liverpool and Manchester United have also been linked with Osimhen this summer, as several centre forwards appear to be on the market across Europe.

After Chelsea signed Delap, the Blues now have several recognised centre forwards in their squad. Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu are all capable of playing in the position, although there are continued rumours that Nkunku and Guiu could leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

Joao Pedro is also set to join the Blues, with a £50m fee having now been agreed with Brighton and Hove Albion for the Brazilian forward.

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Chelsea can end the 2024/25 Premier League season on a high, but it is never quiet at Stamford Bridge and the summer looks set to be one full of news, with Enzo Maresca looking for transfer to bolster his squad.

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