Chelsea officials race against time to finalize Osimhen deal as Al Ahli eyes backup

Chelsea Football Club has dispatched officials to Italy with the urgent task of securing a deal for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.

The Premier League side, desperate to bolster their attacking lineup after a disappointing 2-1 loss to Swiss team Servette in the UEFA Conference League, sees Osimhen as a key solution to their scoring problems.

Chelsea’s pursuit of Osimhen is part of a broader strategy to enhance their squad, but they face stiff competition from Al Ahli, a prominent Saudi Arabian club. Al Ahli has reportedly made a substantial offer, including a total package of €75-80 million, a four-year contract worth €25-30 million annually, and a release clause set below €100 million. The deal is nearly finalized, pending Osimhen’s approval.

In a bid to mitigate any potential setbacks, Al Ahli is also considering an alternative option: English forward Ivan Toney. If Osimhen chooses to join Chelsea, Al Ahli is prepared to finalize their acquisition of Toney, who is currently undergoing medical checks.

Chelsea’s proposal involves a loan arrangement with an obligation to purchase, reflecting their commitment to strengthening their forward line with Osimhen. As the situation evolves, both clubs are navigating a high-stakes transfer battle, with Osimhen’s decision set to impact their respective strategies.