Transfer Talk: Chelsea favorites to sign Napoli star Osimhen
Credit to Author: Rajan Hothi| Date: Sat, 23 Mar 2024 20:48:49 EST
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The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!
Chelsea have identified Napoli forward Victor Osimhen as a priority target for their attack this summer, with the player also keen on the move, according to Rudy Galetti.
The 25-year-old has turned in another impressive season in Italy, notching 11 goals in just 17 Serie A appearances, backing up a stellar 2022-23 season where the Nigeria international netted 31 goals across all competitions.
Osimhen is under contract in Naples until December 2026, however, he looks set to depart the Italian outfit this summer. It is reported that reaching an agreement with the striker should be straightforward for the Blues, with the Napoli star eager to secure a move to Stamford Bridge. Galetti also suggests that Chelsea are prepared to meet Osimhen’s release clause, though an agreement with Napoli regarding payment terms would still need to be reached.
Alongside Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain have been strongly linked with a move for Osimhen.
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– Liverpool are weighing up a potential swoop for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, per Football Insider. It is reported that whilst Forest currently have an asking price of around £50 million, they may have to settle for a lower fee if they are relegated to the Championship. Forest have been deducted four points for breaching the Premier League‘s profit and sustainability rules and will likely need to offload several stars in the summer.
– Inter Miami CF and LA Galaxy are monitoring Atletico Madrid midfielder Axel Witsel ahead of the summer, suggests Ekrem Konur. The 35-year-old has made 42 appearances across all competitions for Atleti this season, however, with no indication of the Spanish club extending his contract, the Belgian could be on the move this summer.
– AC Milan have identified Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyökeres as a target this summer, though they could be priced out of a move, says Calciomercato. Whilst the Sweden international has attracted the attention of Milan, after notching 36 goals in all competitions this season, it is currently unlikely that the Serie A club can afford to secure the deal. The report reveals that whilst Sporting are willing to lower their asking price from Gyökeres’ release clause of €100m, it is understood they would still request at least €80m, which could still prove too costly for Milan.
– Aston Villa have begun talks to tempt Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso to the club, suggests Nicolo Schira. The 28-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer, with Atleti unlikely to agree a new deal for the centre-back. It is reported that Villa have offered the Spain international a deal until 2028.