Osimhen to Chelsea and Four Transfers That May Still Happen This Summer
Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has been one of the biggest forwards in the transfer news this summer, courtesy of the Nigerian’s unofficial agreement with Napoli owner to leave Naples this summer in the face of a workable deal. Osimhen’s gaze remains towards the EPL. Meanwhile, Napoli would get a remarkable relief from paying his high wages should he leave, offering new boss Antonie Conte more funds to build a dream team.
The main challenge around Osimhen’s transfer however is that no European club wants to pay his €100 million release clause (the new figure Napoli is requesting for after dropping their initial €130 million asking price to win clubs over). Unsurprisingly, a Saudi side (Al-Hilal) won’t mind paying his release clause, but the 24-year-old doesn't fancy playing outside Europe just yet.
A childhood Chelsea and Drogba fan, Osimhen clearly could favor Chelsea over other Premier League sides. While Arsenal’s €70 million offer met with instant rejection from Napoli, Chelsea are reportedly keeping a close eye on Osimhen after news of a reduced release clause seemingly revived The Blues’ interests.
Although Chelsea don't seem ready to pay €100 m to get Osimhen’s services, they're willing to exchange two players in addition to a transfer fee for the CAF African POTY. Rudy Galletti reports that Chelsea targets Osimhen to improve their attack and are willing to sacrifice Belgian forward Romelu Lukaku and Italian defender Cesare Casadei to get their man.
Galletti says that Napoli could have genuine interest in Casadei, and news also claim that Lukaku and Conte fancy a reunion, suggesting that a swap deal could be in the pipeline.
Nico Williams to Barcelona amid Interests from Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool
Athletic Bilbao star and Spain forward favors a move to Camp Nou this summer, according to reports. Meanwhile, despite Barcelona's current grapple with debt management and a struggling financial state, president Joan Laporta says that his club has the necessary funds to cart Williams away from the potential grasp of EPL admirers, Chelsea, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
Nico Williams hasn't ruled out the possibility of moving to the EPL, but reveals that an offer from Barcelona will top his priority list. However, it's unclear whether EPL sides are willing to pay the winger’s £49 million release clause and meet his staggering salary demands.
Karim Adeyemi to Chelsea
Chelsea have reportedly listed Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi as a top transfer target this summer. New Coach, Enzo Maresca looks to beef up his attacking department this summer and the 22-year-old looks to be a bright option for the plan.
Adeyemi scored five goals and two assists in 35 appearances last season for Dortmund, including a stellar solo goal against Chelsea in a Champions League Round of 16 first leg tie. The forward reportedly holds a value of €30 million (£25.4m).
Calafiori to Arsenal, amid Chelsea Interest
Italy defender Calafiori is reportedly on Arsenal's radar, and is expected to join the Gunners in a potential £42 million deal from Bologna. Riccardo Calafiori could field as a center half or a left back at the Emirates Stadium.
Reports claim that the defender, who joined Bologna from Basel for £3m, has agreed on personal terms to leave Bologna in what will be a highly profitable sale for the Italian club. After registering initial struggles with Serie A sides Roma and Genoa, the 22-year-old has recorded significant improvement as he helped Bologna qualify for this season's UEFA Champions League.
Meanwhile, some sources claim that the Blues may also be in the run to outsmart Arsenal in landing the Italian’s services this season. Should Arsenal sign Calafiori, we may safely expect them to compete for the Premier League title again in the 2024/2025 season. Many believe the deal will be fast-tracked and completed before the transfer window closes.
Alphonso Davies to Real Madrid
Davies is reportedly assessing Bayern Munich’s latest contract renewal offer. However, it appears the Canadian international will rescind the terms and rather take his talents elsewhere.
Step forward Real Madrid, with the Spanish giants seeking to leverage a long-standing relationship with Bayern by signing Alphonso Davies this summer before he becomes a free agent in January 2025. The full-back appears to be a priority signing for Real Madrid after Mbappe’s famed move to the Spanish giants.
While Davies has to make a decision on his preferred team, it remains unclear whether Bayern and Real Madrid can agree on a contract.
In a Nutshell
Osimhen might move to Chelsea, as the Blues prepare two players in a swap deal to meet the Napoli striker’s €100m release clause. Nico Williams prefers a move to Barca, but doesn't mind a move from Athletic Bilbao to a top EPL team.
Chelsea have Karim Adeyemi on their radar while the Gunners think Calafiori might make a good signing this summer (hoping Chelsea don't beat them at the game). Real Madrid wants Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies, but all parties have to agree on a deal before the 2024 summer transfer window closes.
Resources:
- https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news-live-arsenal-chelsea-fc-man-utd-tottenham-calafiori-adeyemi-leny-yoro-b1169278.html
- https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/transfer-news/victor-osimhen-could-lead-201m-29489183
- https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2024/07/chelsea-transfer-news-cesare-casadei-romelu-lukaku-victor-osimhen-swap-napoli