Certainly! Chelsea is considering a move for Victor Osimhen from Napoli in the upcoming January transfer window, prompting Napoli to scout potential replacements. Osimhen’s prowess as a striker for Napoli during their championship-winning season made him a standout in European football. Despite Napoli retaining him in the summer, complications have arisen since then.
Napoli has encountered difficulties defending their title this season, compounded by the recent replacement of Rudi Garcia with Walter Mazzarri as head coach. The situation regarding Osimhen worsened when Napoli’s official TikTok account posted clips mocking his penalty miss, leading to a stall in contract talks between him and the club. This impasse has fueled optimism among other clubs eyeing him for a potential availability in 2024.
Reports from TEAMtalk confirmed the interest of Arsenal and Chelsea in Osimhen, with the latter’s advantage being his support for Chelsea. Subsequent updates from 90min suggested that Chelsea might bid for Osimhen, prompting Napoli to intensify their search for his successor.
Napoli is considering four players, including Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen and Akor Adams from Montpellier, who share Osimhen’s nationality. Alternatively, they are eyeing Jonathan David from Lille (Canada international) or Lois Openda from RB Leipzig (Belgium international).
Given the substantial asking price set by Napoli for Osimhen, which could potentially break Chelsea’s transfer record yet again, it’s evident that Napoli is determined to make any attempt to lure Osimhen away difficult. However, they are preparing a contingency plan by considering these alternatives to soften the blow of his potential departure.
The players shortlisted by Napoli all present promising long-term prospects as successors to Osimhen. Boniface, Adams, David, and Openda are all in their early twenties, fitting the profile of players Chelsea might consider. Osimhen, at 25, aligns with Chelsea’s preference for a striker in their prime, despite their recent signing of a younger forward in Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal.
Osimhen’s impressive form last season, highlighted by 65 goals in 112 appearances for Napoli, underscores why Napoli is intent on retaining him. Even this season, with six goals from nine Serie A matches, his performance continues to draw attention and interest from potential suitors.