Chelsea suffer transfer hammer blow as Napoli chief confirms Victor Osimhen is close to signing new contract

CHELSEA look set for major transfer disappointment after Napoli claimed Victor Osimhen was on the verge of committing his future to them.

The 24-year-old Nigerian striker achieved legendary status last season by firing the Italian club to their first Serie A title in 33 years.

Osimhen scored 26 goals in 32 top-flight matches and has continued that red-hot form this term.

That led to him being linked with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs over the summer transfer window as both Manchester United and Chelsea chased his signature.

Despite that, he has kept his focus and added another six strikes to his Napoli tally this term despite a number of controversies.

Both the Premier League duo and rivals Arsenal were put on red alert after a controversial TikTok post left the player contemplating SUING his employers back in September.

Now Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is itching to strengthen his frontline and has made Osimhen his top January target.

But he looks set to suffer frustration after Napoli’s CEO Aurelio de Laurentiis revealed that the club and their talisman are close to agreeing a contract extension.

Despite previous talks breaking down, he made the revelation while awarding the Campania Felix award this week.

De Laurentiis said: “For Osimhen, we are at signing of the contract that was pending this summer.”

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Previous speculation had stated that under the terms of the deal, Napoli are likely to include a hefty release clause.

Osimhen’s current contract expires in June 2025.

Napoli are currently struggling in their title defence and are currently nine points behind leaders Juventus.

But they will be hoping to try and close that gap when they take on second-placed Inter Milan at home on Sunday.