Napoli director drops hint that Victor Osimhen could still join Chelsea before season ends

Chelsea might return for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in the January transfer window, following comments from Napoli’s director, Mauro Meluso.

Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has sparked new speculation about his future. Napoli has suggested they are open to the possibility of a permanent transfer soon.

Meluso recently hinted that Osimhen’s move from Napoli could still happen in January, even though the striker is now with Galatasaray on loan.

Osimhen had been eager to leave Napoli in the summer, with clubs like Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Saudi side Al-Ahli showing interest. However, a transfer didn’t materialise, and he ended up joining Galatasaray temporarily.

Meluso explained that Napoli’s chairman, Aurelio De Laurentiis, rejected offers in the past to keep the team competitive. But with the January transfer window approaching, Napoli seems more open to letting Osimhen go. “We will see in January,” Meluso said, suggesting the club might sell him if the right offer comes.

Chelsea has been interested in Osimhen for a while but couldn’t sign him in the summer due to his high release clause, which was over £100 million. Despite the failed move, Chelsea still needs a proven goal-scorer and could try again for Osimhen in January.

At Galatasaray, Osimhen has made a good start, scoring two goals and providing three assists in four games. However, he is currently out with an injury but is expected to return after the international break.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has relied on Nicolas Jackson this season, with the forward scoring four goals and delivering three assists in eight matches. Yet, adding a striker of Osimhen’s calibre could boost the Blues’ attack as they aim to strengthen their squad for the second half of the season.