Victor Osimhen Sets For Saudi Switch As Chelsea Miss Out On Signing Napoli Striker

In a stunning turn of events, Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker who had been Chelsea's favourite, is on the verge of a lucrative move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli. The 25-year-old Napoli striker, who had been touted as the solution to Chelsea's striker conundrum, is set to sign a four-year deal worth a whopping £33.6m per season, tax-free.

Chelsea were keen on signing Osimhen and talks on his transfer reached the pinnacle with a loan offer plus an option for a permanent contract. The negotiation eventually failed to go through amidst counter offer from Al Ahil. 

With a release clause of over £130m, signing Osimhen comes at a huge cost for either Chelsea or Al Ahil. The clause was included in his contract last season amidst speculations that the Nigerian forward wanted out of the club. Having to seek a loan spell before an obligation to buy might have cause the breakdown of talks for Chelsea. However, another financial consequence signing Osimhen is his wages which they are mindful of to fit into the club's wage structure. 

Osimhen's agent, Roberto Calenda, had previously hinted that his client still had "so much to do in Europe", but it seems the prospect of a massive payday in Saudi Arabia has changed the striker's priorities. The Nigerian's European ambitions appear to be on hold, and Chelsea's dreams of landing their top target have slipped away.

For Chelsea, losing out on Osimhen might not really be dire for the club even though they are in need of an effective No. 9. As Osimhen prepares to depart for Saudi Arabia, Chelsea are left to pick up the pieces. The Nigerian's pace, power, and precision would have been a perfect fit for Chelsea's system, but now they must look elsewhere.

Will Chelsea find another striker to fill the void left by Osimhen's departure on Deadline Day? 

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