£102m striker really wants to leave and move to England after strong Chelsea links – Fabrizio Romano

It looks like one centre-forward would find it hard to say no to Chelsea if they come knocking this summer. Chelsea recently confirmed the signing of Marc Guiu from Barcelona. Guiu could be an option up front for them this upcoming season, but the Spaniard is still just 18 years old. Some will feel that the Blues need someone more experienced if the club are to return to the Champions League.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, who is 24, is a more proven centre-forward who has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, while Napoli’s Victor Osimhen was thought to have been Chelsea’s No.1 target going into this transfer window .

Striker prefers move to the Premier League

Chelsea may not be in the Champions League, but they can still offer players Premier League football. That makes them an appealing destination for someone like Osimhen, though it does look like their interest in him has cooled. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Osimhen wants to leave Napoli this summer and is keen on a move to England.

Discussing the 25-year-old’s plans on X, Romano said: “Victor Osimhen’s plan is still to leave Napoli this summer as movement is expected soon. After quiet June, Napoli expect proposals to arrive for Osimhen as he could be on the move; the release clause is around €120m (£101.9m). “Preference for Premier League but story still open.”

Victor Osimhen’s plan is still to leave Napoli this summer as movement is expected soon. After quiet June, Napoli expect proposals to arrive for Osimhen as he could be on the move; the release clause is around €120m. Preference for Premier League but story still open. pic.twitter.com/lkypI0iTYm

Should Chelsea revive their interest in Victor Osimhen?

Osimhen’s goal record in recent seasons has been pretty good. Last term, the Nigerian scored 17 goals in 32 appearances, while in the 2022/23 campaign, he netted 31 times in 39 outings. With no one triggering his £102m release clause yet, it has been claimed that Napoli are actually willing to listen to offers of £84.7m for their talisman.

At that price, Chelsea should definitely consider making an offer for Osimhen. Newcastle are going to want to keep hold of Isak, who was their top scorer last season, and you cannot help but feel that Guiu and Nicolas Jackson are not going to be enough for the Blues in the new campaign.