Osimhen to Chelsea: Striker Unenthusiastic About Joining Blues

• Super Eagles Star Victor Osimhen, isn't very keen in joining West London giants, Chelsea.
• The 25-year-old was left out of of Napoli's squad for all five preseason games owing to his prolonged transfer speculations.

Victor Osimhen's links with a move to Chelsea have hit a snag, with the Nigerian striker reportedly "unenthusiastic" about joining the English Premier League side. According to Corriere dello Sport, Osimhen is less than thrilled about the prospect of moving to Stamford Bridge, casting doubt on a potential exchange deal involving Romelu Lukaku.

Napoli, eager to offload Osimhen for his €120m release clause, had hoped to use Lukaku as a bargaining chip. However, Osimhen's reluctance to join Chelsea has thrown a wrench into the works, leaving all parties in limbo.

The situation is further complicated by Paris Saint-Germain's interest in Osimhen. The French giants have come closest to securing the Nigerian international, but need to offload either Randal Kolo Muani or Goncalo Ramos to make room for him.

Arsenal, another potential suitor, appears to be focusing on alternative targets, Viktor Gyokeres and Manchester City's Julian Alvarez. This development has left Napoli struggling to find a buyer for Osimhen, with time running out to secure a deal.

Osimhen's future at Napoli has been uncertain since signing a lucrative new contract in December 2023, with a significant wage increase. It was always the plan to sell him in the summer, but no offers have come close to his €120m release clause.

As the transfer window ticks down, the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup winner has been left out of Napoli's pre-season friendlies, while Lukaku trains alone at Cobham, awaiting a resolution. The situation is at a standstill, with all parties waiting for a breakthrough that will set the dominoes in motion.