Chelsea Make First Contact With Galatasaray Over Victor Osimhen In €150M Transfer Pursuit

Chelsea have taken the first steps towards signing Victor Osimhen, reportedly making initial contact with Galatasaray over a potential summer transfer, according to Turkish newspaper Sabah. The development marks a concrete move from the London club in what is shaping up to be a fiercely contested pursuit of the Nigerian international.

Galatasaray, who signed Osimhen on a permanent basis from Napoli for €75 million last summer, are now seeking double that figure — a reported €150 million — to sanction his departure. The Turkish club’s valuation reflects both the striker’s outstanding form and their strong negotiating position, having secured him on a long-term deal only twelve months ago.

Osimhen, 27, has done little to diminish his market value over the course of the 2025/26 campaign. Across 22 Super Lig appearances, he registered 15 goals and 5 assists as Galatasaray retained the Turkish title. In the UEFA Champions League, he added a further 7 goals and 3 assists — a return that has cemented his reputation as one of the most dangerous forwards in world football, despite operating outside one of Europe’s top five leagues.

The transfer speculation surrounding the Super Eagles striker has gathered pace in recent weeks, partly following comments made by Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle. Chelle revealed that Osimhen had been omitted from the national squad for upcoming June friendlies against Poland and Portugal due to ongoing transfer discussions. Osimhen subsequently pushed back on that explanation, stating that the coach’s remarks had been taken out of context.

Chelsea are not alone in their interest. Osimhen has been heavily linked with Manchester United, where he is reportedly at the top of the club’s striker shortlist. The level of competition for his signature could complicate Chelsea’s pursuit, particularly if Galatasaray hold firm on their €150 million asking price.

According to reports, Xabi Alonso — confirmed as Chelsea’s incoming manager — has also identified Osimhen as his first-choice attacking signing ahead of the new season. Alonso, who led Bayer Leverkusen to the Bundesliga title before departing for Stamford Bridge, is expected to reshape the squad significantly upon his arrival, with a commanding centre-forward understood to be a priority.

Osimhen’s journey to this point has been well-documented. After establishing himself as one of Serie A’s most feared strikers during his time at Napoli — where he played a central role in their 2022/23 Serie A title win — he moved to Galatasaray on loan before completing a permanent transfer. His consistent output across multiple competitions has sustained elite-level interest despite the change of surroundings.

Whether Chelsea can meet Galatasaray’s valuation and fend off rival suitors remains to be seen. The coming weeks of the transfer window are likely to bring greater clarity on Osimhen’s next destination, with multiple parties closely monitoring developments.