Chelsea £110m transfer target 'waiting for Arsenal' as Edu and Arteta can ruin Boehly plan

Chelsea could reportedly see their plan to sign Victor Osimhen during the summer transfer window scuppered by Premier League rivals Arsenal.

Both capital clubs are rumoured to be in the market for a new centre forward this summer, with Osimhen emerging as a potential candidate.

Osimhen has continually caught the eye since joining Napoli in 2020, netting a whopping 76 goals in 132 appearances. Considered in the same bracket as the likes of Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe for the most prolific goalscorers in Europe, Osimhen is expected to depart Napoli when the summer transfer window opens.

Talk of a switch to big-spending Chelsea had dominated the transfer columns, but according to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli, the Nigerian international is instead believed to be holding out for a move to Arsenal.

It’s suggested Osimhen is keen on a move to England’s top-flight, with Mikel Arteta’s runners-up his preferred destination, which could spell bad news for Chelsea’s chances of landing the 25-year-old.

Osimhen could also consider a move to the Saudi Pro League if no side from the Premier League is able to match Napoli’s hefty release clause.

The 2022/23 Serie A winners are believed to want a fee in the region of £110million for their prized asset this summer, meaning both Arsenal and Chelsea could be priced out of a move.

It comes amid an uncertain time for Chelsea, as co-owner Todd Boehly is on the lookout for the fourth permanent manager of his two-year stint in charge.

Boehly, who arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2022, waved goodbye to Mauricio Pochettino this week, with the Argentine departing Chelsea by mutual consent.

The Blues look to have suffered an early blow in their search for a Pochettino replacement, with one-time target Hansi Flick reportedly set to take over at Barcelona.

Elsewhere, Kieran McKenna has emerged as a surprise target for the two-time European champions, even though the current Ipswich boss hasn’t ever managed in the Premier League.

McKenna is on Chelsea’s shortlist of possible managerial hires, along with Brentford manager Thomas Frank and Leicester boss Enzo Maresca.

The Chelsea players who aren’t involved in international tournaments this summer are expected to return for pre-season training in early July.