Chelsea fans closely monitoring the Blues’ striker search this summer may be interested in the latest twist in the Victor Osimhen transfer saga. The prolific Nigerian forward has long been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, but fresh revelations have shed light on why a move hasn’t materialised—despite serious interest from clubs across Europe and the Saudi Pro League.

Renowned Nigerian journalist Buchy Laba, who maintains a personal relationship with Osimhen, has dismissed recent reports that the Napoli striker is now keen on a move to Al Hilal.

Writing on his X (formerly Twitter) page, Laba clarified:
“The Saudi consortium has always been interested in Victor Osimhen even before his loan to Galatasaray, and they offered more money in wages last year before Napoli got greedy & asked for more. He’s not keen on any move. Very false.”

This insight suggests that Napoli’s inflated valuation of the player last summer may have scuppered a lucrative deal that would have taken Osimhen to the Gulf. With a €75 million release clause and demands of €12 million net in wages, the financial package has reportedly cooled interest from Chelsea and other Premier League clubs, while Galatasaray are simply unable to afford the deal.

Despite persistent links to Juventus and Saudi clubs, it appears Osimhen’s priority remains top-level European football—something Chelsea can offer again after securing Champions League qualification under Enzo Maresca.

While the Blues are actively scouting strikers to bolster the frontline, this development suggests a potential opening—should Napoli drop their demands. Chelsea must now weigh whether Osimhen’s price tag matches their ambitions or if they’ll look elsewhere for attacking firepower.

Either way, with Osimhen still undecided and Napoli’s stance under scrutiny, this is a transfer tale far from over—and Chelsea will be watching closely.