Chelsea chief Todd Boehly hints at major U-turn as Osimhen snubbed and £62m saved

Chelsea are looking to save themselves a hefty fee in January despite reportedly being in the market for one of Europe’s most highly rated and versatile forwards. The club have long been linked with a deal for Napoli man Victor Osimhen, despite the Nigerian striker moving to Galatasaray on loan in the summer.

However, the Serie A side are still seeking a permanent sale, with the Blues touted to come back in when the next transfer window opens.

Despite previously demanding a seven-figure sum for the 25-year-old, Napoli are now seemingly prepared to sell him to Stamford Bridge in a cut price £62million deal.

But the Blues are set to now snub a move for the 25-year-old in favour of a rising star in La Liga. Osimhen’s compatriot Christantus Uche has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the past 12 months, having spent last season at Spanish third tier side Ceuta.

Initially scheduled to be part of their reserve squad, his form for the first team caught the eye and in the summer, Getafe beat off interest from Real Betis to sign him in a £415,000 deal. He duly scored on debut in a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao, and has started all 10 league games for his new team since.

The 21-year-old also has the unique ability to play both up front or in an advanced midfield role. Similar to Cole Palmer, Uche his considered both a playmaker and a finisher, making him a more adaptable option than Osimhen.

According to Relevo, the Nigerian is attracting interest from a host of big name clubs. And Chelsea have reportedly made contact with his representatives as Todd Boehly looks to continue his trend of snapping up highly rated young players.

And with the London club still wary of Financial Fair Play regulations, Uche is only likely to cost a snip of the fee Napoli want for Osimhen. His four year deal runs until 2028, but he is said to have a modest release clause inserted into the deal. 

His stock is soon set to rise further as speculation mounts over a first senior international call-up. Uche has already represented Nigeria at both youth and under-23 level.

The development comes as a further blow to Osimhen, who was touted to be at the centre of a tug-of-war between Premier League clubs last summer. But his £100m plus release clause seemingly priced big name clubs out of the market, with Arsenal having also been heavily linked.

He’s since scored three times in just five games since his move to Turkey, but the Super Lig side are not expected to try and finance a big for a long-term move. And he’s seemingly burnt bridges at Napoli, having been exiled from first team training before his departure by new manager Antonio Conte.