‘The feeling’: Fabrizio Romano says ‘phenomenal’ Chelsea target now wants release clause in new contract

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Napoli striker Victor Osimhen wants a release clause in his new contract amid links to Chelsea.

That is according to Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking about Victor Osimhen on his YouTube channel, the Italian journalist said: “The feeling of sources is that Osimhen will extend his contract at Napoli, but this deal will include a release clause already valid in summer 2024.

“So let’s see the value of this release clause. This is one of the points that the parties are discussing — so Osimhen camp and Napoli — but the release clause is a crucial point being discussed to reach the agreement between Napoli and Osimhen.”

FootballTransfers recently claimed that Chelsea have made the 24-year-old their No.1 target for the 2024 summer transfer window and are leading the race for his signature.

Osimhen was in terrific form for Napoli last season, scoring 26 goals in 32 league appearances to help his side win the Serie A title.

Chelsea need a centre-forward like Victor Osimhen

Scoring goals has obviously been a problem for Chelsea. This season, the Blues are averaging just one per Premier League game, while in the last campaign, they only managed to register 38 times.

Chelsea have since brought in Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal to help them out in that department, but the Senegal international is still just 22 and has found the back of the net for his new side on just one occasion so far.

When you consider all of the above, Mauricio Pochettino could really do with a No.9 such as Osimhen, who has been described as “phenomenal” by Walter Mazzarri, or Brentford’s Ivan Toney.

It will now be interesting to see if Chelsea can land either, with the club also thought to be keen on the latter.

According to the Daily Mail, the Blues could make a move for Toney as early as January, though they may face competition from a couple of their Premier League rivals for his signature.