Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli have submitted an improved offer for Victor Osimhen worth €70m, which Napoli could be willing to consider, but the player is said to be waiting for Chelsea, PSG or Arsenal.
The Nigerian striker signed a new contract in December 2023 with the express intention of leaving this summer for the release clause of €130m, but nobody has gone anywhere close to it.
His presence is therefore blocking the transfer strategy and time was running out to find a solution.
According to Sky Sport Italia and Sportitalia, Al-Ahli have made the first genuine firm offer for Osimhen, which is set at €70m from the initial €65m.
It is half the release clause, but still potentially enough for Napoli to accept in these circumstances. But the Nigerian international does not want to move to the Saudi Pro League, so he is willing to wait for a late proposal from any of Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal or even Chelsea.
His preference to play in the Champions League makes Chelsea quite low on his list of priorities and hence his demand for £500,000-a-week salary. The extraordinary figure would make him the highest paid player in the Premier League.
The Blues have been working all summer-long to get the deal over the line and talks with the striker’s representatives and Napoli have been ongoing for a number of weeks but it is understood that an agreement was still nowhere in sight.
Chelsea originally tried to sign the Napoli star on loan as they were unwilling to pay his £110million release clause, but the Italian club rejected the proposal.
The Partenopei were hoping to receive €100m plus bonuses for the former Serie A Capocannoniere, but the situation is becoming increasingly tense.
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