Exclusive: Shaun Wright-Phillips discusses Chelsea’s transfer policy
Chelsea could call on their former centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly to help them beat Arsenal in the race for Victor Osimhen. With the January transfer window drawing closer, speculation around Osimhen’s future has kicked up a notch as various high-profile suitors prepare to pounce.
Koulibaly spent only one season at Stamford Bridge, and he broadly underwhelmed before leaving for Al-Hilal in the summer. Prior to his Premier League switch, the defender excelled across eight seasons at Napoli.
His final two campaigns in Serie A were spent in the same dressing room as Osimhen, who was snapped up from Lille back in 2020. After three-and-a-half prolific seasons, and with less than 18 months remaining on his Napoli contract, the striker may soon be on the move.
According to The Telegraph, Osimhen will be Chelsea’s top target when they enter the transfer market for a centre-forward.
Don’t miss… Man Utd starlet Kobbie Mainoo justifies Erik ten Hag comments in Everton win
The same report claims that Osimhen would be keen to consider the move and cites Koulibaly as a potential factor in the deal. The pair have remained close since going their separate ways, and a ringing endorsement from the Senegalese centre-back could turn the dial in Chelsea’s favour.
Mauricio Pochettino and co will need every advantage they can get. Qualification for European competition next season is far from guaranteed, and Arsenal are among the top teams set to rival them for Osimhen’s signature.
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
Read more…
Tottenham boss Postecoglou hammered final nail into Dier’s coffin against Villa[COMMENT]
Garnacho scores remarkable bicycle kick for Man Utd as Everton protests silenced[SPOTTED]
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta decides ‘top priority’ between Osimhen and Toney[TRANSFERS]
Finances are sure to play a significant role in any move for the 24-year-old. Chelsea have shown a willingness to sanction mega-money deals since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over the club, while Arsenal have been comparatively conservative in the transfer market.
Osimhen is set to cost in excess of £100million – a hefty figure for a player who could leave Napoli for free in the summer of 2025. The club’s chairman, Aurelio De Laurentiis, recently dropped a hint that he would be willing to cut ties for the right price.
“I have never been unhappy towards Osimhen, but there are always two of us in these things,” explained the 74-year-old. “I have remained the same, if his mood has changed I can’t do anything about it.
“If things change after a handshake, it’s disappointing, we take note of it but then life goes on. There are excellent relations with him, his contract expires in 2025, there is time. Don’t forget that I sold Koulibaly a year before his contract expired.”
Source: Read Full Article