Chelsea make last-gasp Victor Osimhen move in bid to hijack deadline day transfer | Football | Sport

Chelsea are reportedly set to change their approach for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in the hope of getting a deal over the line to sign the striker on deadline day.

The Blues have splashed the cash over the past few months, with Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Marc Guiu among a host of forwards to arrive at Stamford Bridge.

However, manager Enzo Maresca is keen for the club to sign a marquee No. 9 who can lead the line for the club in both the short and long term. Napoli’s Osimhen has been identified as the ideal candidate to fulfil that role and negotiations to sign the Nigeria international have been ongoing for weeks.

The financials of any deal has proved to be a sticking point in negotiations between the two clubs and also with Osimhen so far, but Chelsea are hoping that a change in tactics could see them strike a last-gasp agreement.

According to GiveMeSport, the Blues have informed Napoli that they are ‘prepared’ to make a loan with an obligation to buy offer for Osimhen. Further talks over the proposal are scheduled for the coming hours.

Osimhen is yet to agree on terms with the Blues, though he has struck an agreement with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli, who are firmly in the race to secure his signature as well.

The Middle Eastern outfit have already seen a £57million bid for the ex-Lille striker accepted by Napoli, but the player is yet to ‘say yes’ to the move despite the finances of the deal already being in place.

Chelsea will be keen to continue pushing in the hope of striking an agreement with Osimhen, and their fresh verbal proposal is likely to be welcomed by Napoli – who is keen to offload their wantaway star before the transfer window closes.

The Serie A side have already acquired the services of a replacement for Osimhen, coincidentally from Chelsea. The Diego Armando Maradona Stadium outfit secured the signature of Romelu Lukaku from the Blues after the Belgium international was shortlisted as their top target by new manager Antonio Conte.

Aside from Osimhen, further incomings are not being ruled out by Chelsea on deadline day. They retain an interest in Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho and a swap deal involving Raheem Sterling is firmly on the cards.