Victor Osimhen £60m Chelsea transfer twist emerges as huge contract offer made

Chelsea look set to face additional competition to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen this summer, following recent developments in Italy.

Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal have held a long standing interest in Osimhen, coming close to signing the 26-year-old striker last summer, before a deal with Napoli fell through after the Italian side allegedly changed their asking price.

Neither the Blues or Al Hilal could agree a deal in time and after burning bridges with Napoli, Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan for the season. During his time in Turkey, he won a league and cup double, scoring 37 goals in all competitions and notching a further eight assists.

That fine form in front of goal has only heightened interest in his services this summer, with Napoli looking for a swift resolution to his transfer saga. French media outlet L’Equipe claim that Al Hilal remain interested in a move for Osimhen, with Chelsea also reportedly on the looking for a striker in the coming months.

However, the report claims AC Milan are also interested in a move for Osimhen this summer, along with a potential move for Aleksandar Mitrovic, who currently plays for Al Hilal.

The Rossoneri are currently in talks with the Saudi Pro League side regarding a deal for left-back Theo Hernandez, with the two parties trashing out a deal. Neither side have been able to agree a transfer fee at this stage, but the 27-year-old full-back has received a contract offer reportedly in the region of €15 million (£12.63m) net.

The first offer made by the Saudi Pro League side is said to be some way off Milan’s valuation of the French international, who appear to be raising funds for a summer swoop for Osimhen, who will cost around £60m.

The Italian side are, as previously mentioned, also keen on a move for former Newcastle and Fulham striker Mitrovic, who would likely be free to move should Al Hilal secure the signing of Osimhen.

Both clubs are competing for the Nigerian international, along with a number of Premier League clubs, like the Blues. Having secured Champions League football next season, Enzo Maresca’s side are looking to bolster their options in the final third and closing in on the £30m signing of Liam Delap.

However, some reports claim Delap’s arrival will not deter the Blues from heading into the transfer market for another striker, with Christopher Nkunku linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.

“I’m not able to answer now because I don’t know the other part, if a number nine was here,” Maresca said about the need to shgn a striker. “For sure, with us, in my personal opinion, he has grown and improved a lot. Now, if another number nine was here is it better for him? I don’t know.

When asked whether he wanted someone to provide competition going forward, he said: “100 per cent.”