Chelsea are preparing a final move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the final days of the Premier League transfer window.
The Blues are expected to have their hands full before the window closes on August 30, with Raheem Sterling and Romelu Lukaku set to leave after being dropped from Enzo Maresca’s plans.
The Italian manager has hinted that a new striker is a key target ahead of today’s EPL clash with Wolves, with Osimhen the rumoured first choice.
However, despite Chelsea’s willingness to make an offer close to 10 million, £85 million ($112 million)Salaries could be a key stumbling block in any negotiations.
According to reports from the Daily MailOsimhen is demanding a weekly pay package of £500,000 a week ($660,000), which would set a new Premier League record as the highest-paid player in English top-flight history.
That would put him above Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne on £400,000 ($523,000) a week, but Chelsea cannot afford that figure as they aim to stay within Premier League financial guidelines.
Osmihen’s record of 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli, including 26 league goals as they won the 2023 Serie A title, is the main draw for Chelsea but the club needs to maintain a delicate financial balance in the days ahead.
