Arsenal take decisive lead over Chelsea in race for highly-rated Serie A forward; £72m offer tabled

Giovanni Scotto confirms Chelsea trail Arsenal leading in the race for Victor Osimhen

Arsenal has capitalized on Chelsea’ FCs wavering interest in Victor Osimhen and has engaged his agent about a potential move to the Emirates. Osimhen has been a long-term target for the West Londoners, but the Blues appear to have dropped their pursuit of the Nigerian center-forward.

Osimhen has been a revelation since leading Napoli to a Scudetto in the 2022–23 season, scoring 31 goals across all competitions. This initially prompted Chelsea to consider a move, but his high release clause seems prohibitive. Now, it appears the Blues are stepping back as Arsenal takes the lead in the race.

A recent report from Italy reveals that the Gunners have tabled a £72 million bid for the striker. Meanwhile, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has flown to France to discuss a potential move for Osimhen to Paris Saint-Germain with the PSG president.

And now Italian journalist Giovanni Scotto has revealed Arsenal are plotting a move for former LOSC Lille striker and wrote on II Roma via Football.London:

“He will take some time because the Nigerian shouldn’t move before July. He’s waiting for the Premier League with his agent, who has spoken to Arsenal, while Chelsea seems to have slipped away.’’

It appears Chelsea has made up their mind and won’t pursue the Nigerian striker. Signing Osimhen comes with two major drawbacks: his high release clause and his injury history. Although he is currently injured, he is an excellent center-forward with great finishing abilities.

However, there are other factors to consider before pursuing a player. With Benjamin Sesko also off the radar, Chelsea will need to explore other options. Chelsea cannot afford to go into another season without an infallible goalscorer leading the line.

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It is also unclear how Napoli will respond to Arsenal’s offer, given that the Gunners’ initial bid has little chance of being accepted. The amount set in Osimhen’s release clause by the Serie A team appears excessive, and they will likely insist on it.

Finding a suitor for Osimhen will be difficult if no club is willing to meet this clause, especially since the 24-year-old is open to leaving. The only two options left are to pay his asking price or, less likely, wait another two years for his contract to expire.