Joe
Victor Osimhen’s potential transfer from Napoli to Chelsea is at risk of collapsing due to the player’s hefty wage demands.
According to The Sun, Osimhen has requested a staggering £500,000-a-week salary, a figure that would make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League if Chelsea were to agree.
However, the London club is reportedly hesitant to meet such demands, as they are focused on reducing their wage bill this season. This financial strategy is also behind their decision to consider offloading Raheem Sterling. Despite ongoing negotiations with Napoli and Osimhen’s representatives throughout the summer, both sides have yet to reach an agreement.
Chelsea had initially proposed a loan deal, unwilling to match Osimhen’s release clause, which is set at €130 million (£110m/$145m). The striker is expected to leave Napoli this summer after reportedly submitting a transfer request. However, his move to Stamford Bridge hinges on whether he will lower his wage expectations.
Paris Saint-Germain has also shown interest in the Nigerian forward, while Arsenal is closely monitoring the situation. As a precaution, Chelsea has reportedly identified alternative targets, including Juventus’ Federico Chiesa and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, should the Osimhen deal fall through.
