As Chelsea considers a Nkunku-like transfer, Ben Jacobs reveals Victor Osimhen’s new asking price
Jacobs said in his Daily Briefing column for Caught Offside that a summer move is more likely, although a deal similar to how the Blues landed Christopher Nkunku is possible:
“Osimhen is undoubtedly an option, and he’ll be (a least a bit) cheaper next summer compared to last. This could also present a scenario where, as with Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea try to pre-sign Osimhen in January for the summer in order to jump ahead of the market.”
“But right now nothing is advanced because all interested clubs are simply trying to understand what Aurelio De Laurentiis will sell for since last summer he simply wouldn’t engage for anything under €150m. Now he may accept €120m.”
Will Chelsea be able to wait until next summer?
Much of the coverage surrounding the Blues’ efforts to recruit a new No.9 has focused on the fact that the London club would like to bring someone in during the January transfer window.
That would almost certainly rule out a move for Osimhen, making Ivan Toney of Brentford the frontrunner. However, the cheaper price tag of the Napoli player would create a quandary.
If Toney is worth £80 million, as some believe, Osimhen would only cost £25 million extra. Because the Nigerian international is younger, it may shift things in his favour, but Chelsea would have to wait until the conclusion of the season.
How might Chelsea afford to sign Osimhen?
The Blues don’t have much wiggle space in terms of Financial Fair Play after spending over £1 billion on new recruits since the start of last season. Any proposal for Osimhen will necessitate player sales.
Armando Broja is one of the players that might go. If Osimhen is signed, the Albanian will be downgraded to third choice, and his exit from Stamford Bridge would be contemplated.
