Nigeria-born Napoli goal-machine is the top deal that will happen on transfer window deadline day today, as the strike faces the choice between English football powerhouse, Chelsea and Saudi Arabia moneybag, Al Ahli.
The Saudi club’s mouth-watering Euro25-30m per annum four-year deal seems an irresistible offer. Still, many believe that accepting the crazy figure could spell the end of Osimhen’s promising career.
Chelsea, although unable to match the eye-watering offer, hope the allure of European football and visibility on the world stage could sway them to accept their lesser offer.
Skysports is reporting that Napoli have accepted the Saudi’s club offer because of the financial structure, but are waiting to see the decision of Osimhen, who owns the final say.
“The Blues were prepared to bring Osimhen on loan with an obligation to buy, but Al Ahli moved ahead of Chelsea as they agreed a four-year contract with the 25-year-old worth around £33.6m (€40m) a season – or £646,154 per-week – tax-free.
“The deal also includes a release clause.
“If a deal for the ex-Lille striker is completed then he would be joining the club Napoli want him to go to the most.”
But sources and Roberto Calenda, the Super Eagles star’s manager’s body language hinted that the deal is far from closed.
Before agreeing to the Saudi move, Osimhen’s agent Roberto Calenda insisted “he still has so much to do in Europe” – a statement which appeared to give Chelsea every chance to come up with an acceptable offer.
“As I said, it is not a package to be shipped far away to make room for new prophets. Victor was elected African Footballer of the Year, eighth at the Ballon d’Or, he still has so much to do in Europe. There is a need for respect and balance.”
