HERE WE GO:Chelsea and Arsenal are now going head-to-head to sign a superstar, which, according to a report Chelsea may go through with the deal with a bid of €100 million and Arsenal £65 million for the star player

Chelsea is highly expected to successfully acquire the services of Victor Osimhen before the transfer window closes, following significant updates from Italy. Additionally, Arsenal’s decision to withdraw their interest has made Chelsea the only remaining interested party.

The Blues have continued to make significant financial investments this summer by acquiring nine new players, amounting to a total expenditure of £164.8m. Todd Boehly and his Blue-Co consortium have spent almost £1.2bn since taking leadership at Chelsea 26 months ago, making them the world’s largest spenders during this period, surpassing all others by a significant margin.

Nevertheless, the acquisition of a prominent and highly skilled striker remains elusive for them. Many believe that securing a formidable and dependable number 9 is the only factor preventing the Blues from making a legitimate challenge for a top-four position and potentially even the championship once more.

Osimhen has consistently been identified as a top transfer target for several months. However, the high price associated with acquiring the Napoli No 9 player makes it incredibly challenging to secure his transfer from the Diego Maradona Stadium.

Analysis: The potential starting lineup for Chelsea in the 2024/25 season is explored as Maresca anticipates another significant acquisition.

With an amazing record of scoring 76 goals in 133 matches for Napoli, it is clear why the 2023 Serie A winners are demanding a hefty price for their star striker. President Aurelio De Laurentiis has stated that the player’s contract has a €120m (£103m) departure clause for potential buyers.

Chelsea’s interest in a possible swap deal with Napoli has been revived recently, as confirmed by TEAMtalk correspondent Rudy Galetti. Napoli, who were previously uninterested, are now willing to discuss the deal. The potential players involved in the swap are Romelu Lukaku and the unwanted custodian Kepa.

Victor Osimhen: Chelsea expected to complete acquisition as Romano offers latest information
According to Galetti, representatives from both teams will convene on Wednesday at a secret location to negotiate the details of a significant trade between the clubs. It is currently understood that Napoli’s desired price is closer to €100m (£85.8m).

In addition, the journalist has disclosed that contractual negotiations, contrary to previous speculation, are unlikely to pose a problem for the Blues. They are aware that by parting ways with Lukaku and his weekly wage of £325,000, they can present a comparable financial arrangement to Osimhen.

The potential transfer has already been approved by Enzo Maresca, the manager of the Blues. He aims to enhance the team’s offensive capabilities and elevate the club’s status as a serious contender for a top-four position.

Additional information on the agreement has been provided by another Italian writer, Fabrizio Romano, who shared on X, previously known as Twitter: “Chelsea has remained actively involved in pursuing Victor Osimhen, despite reports suggesting otherwise this month.”

“Osimhen is still only willing to leave on a permanent transfer and is not open to reducing his salary, despite the continued interest.” There have been no alterations up to this point.

Italian newspaper il Corriere dello Sport has added additional background, asserting that there is a strong belief that a transfer deal to bring Osimhen to Chelsea will be successfully completed. Furthermore, there is a sense of assurance at Stamford Bridge that the signing of Osimhen, which is expected to be significant, will be officially confirmed.

Arsenal withdraw from the agreement as Arteta places trust in the £65 million individual.
Chelsea is currently in discussions for the signing, making them the frontrunners to secure his signature. Other interested parties, such as PSG, have redirected their attention elsewhere. Arsenal, who were also strongly linked to him this summer, appear to be stepping back from the deal due to the significant expenses involved.

The Gunners were advised to personally acquire Osimhen, as a former title-winning player believed that his recruitment may serve as the catalyst for Arteta’s team to secure the 2025 Premier League championship.

Nevertheless, Arteta’s team is presently not considering the acquisition of the Nigerian player. It is uncertain whether they will sign a striker at all during this summer, even though they had previously explored potential deals with Benjamin Sesko, who ultimately chose to stay and sign a new contract with RB Leipzig, and Ivan Toney. However, it seems that their interest in the Brentford and England player has waned.

Moreover, journalist Steve Kay has proposed that Arteta is content to place his trust in Kai Havertz, who was signed for £65m last summer. Havertz has made a strong impression in his first season and may be considered for a different central position in the upcoming season.

“I anticipate that there will be a few more player acquisitions before the transfer window closes, however, Arsenal has decided not to proceed,” Kay stated on KS1 TV.

“In January, they had a plan for the summer regarding their desired direction and targets. However, this plan was altered due to the exceptional performance of Kai Havertz, particularly his goal-scoring ability and unexpected achievements that Mikel Arteta did not anticipate.”

Havertz had a successful first season at Emirates Stadium, scoring 14 goals and providing seven assists in 51 games across all competitions.

It is uncertain if he will be able to achieve or surpass that number this time, and if he is chosen as Arsenal’s primary striker this season, the Germany front will undoubtedly face significant pressure.