Chelsea Reportedly Backs Out of Osimhen Deal Due to High Salary Demands

• Chelsea are reportedly set to snub summer move for striker target and Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen over wage issues
• The Blues and the Super Eagles striker could not agree to terms following the Nigerian’s huge salary demands after a meeting
• Osimhen is one of the highly rated sought-after strikers in world football at the moment with Paris Saint-Germain also keen on signing him

Victor Osimhen’s high wage demands could be a stumbling block for any potential transfer for the Napoli forward this summer as Chelsea are reportedly halting their pursuit of the Nigerian.

The 25-year-old Super Eagles striker is one of the most sought-after forwards in football currently with Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Saudi Pro League clubs keeping tabs on him.

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According to Sportskeeda, Italian journalist, Gianluca DiMarzio has claimed that Chelsea will not move forward with the deal for Osimhen due to the Nigerian’s high wage demands.

"He has a very high salary and that's why Chelsea didn't go forward because after a meeting with his agent, they didn't find an agreement with the salary."

Osimhen, who scored 17 goals in Serie A this season, has been widely tipped to leave Napoli this summer.

Arsenal handed major Osimhen boost

Meanwhile, Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Osimhen following the reported breakdown in negotiations between the striker and rivals Chelsea, The Standard reports.

The Gunners are one of the admirers of the 25-year-old forward and are considering making a deal for the Napoli man or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko when the transfer window opens.

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Arsenal are keen to bring a marquee striker to North London next season and they are ready to rival any top clubs including Chelsea, PSG, and Manchester United for their targets.

Conte wants Lukaku to replace Osimhen

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Osimhen’s pending departure from Napoli could initiate the possible reunion of Antonio Conte and Romelu Lukaku at the Italian club next season.

The Partenopei has confirmed Conte will take the reins at the club for the 2024/25 campaign and one of his first tasks will be to find a replacement for the Nigerian forward this summer.