Fabrizio Romano says 24-year-old might not sign new contract after being linked with Chelsea

Add as preferred source on Google

Chelsea could be about to receive a major boost in their pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis recently claimed that Victor Osimhen was close to signing a new contract with the Serie A champions.

However, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has since stated on his Substack that the 24-year-old extending his deal is “not guaranteed”.

Osimhen not signing a new contract would increase Chelsea‘s hopes of landing the Nigerian.

According to The Telegraph, Osimhen is set to become the Blues’ primary transfer target.

Not guaranteed Victor Osimhen will sign a new contract at Napoli

It is not a surprise to see Romano report on his Substack that Osimhen has not decided anything yet.

If the Nigeria international does go on to put pen to paper on a contract extension, then he runs the risk of delaying his Napoli exit, if that is what he wants.

All it will do is give De Laurentiis more leverage in negotiations over a sale. If there is an affordable release clause, an affordable one, then that changes things. But if not, Osimhen could end up staying at Napoli for at least another year.

It is not what Chelsea would want, as they need a new No.9 like the former Lille man.

Nicolas Jackson was on fire before the international break but has gone off the boil a little bit since the Premier League’s return. He did not net in the 3-2 win against Brighton & Hove Albion yesterday and also failed to score in the loss to Newcastle United before that.

Osimhen is a true marksman, something Jackson still has time to become. Last season, the Napoli star scored 26 goals in 32 appearances.

While Jackson has looked bright at times this term, if Osimhen does become available, then Chelsea need to be all over him.