Chelsea Football Club are reportedly plotting a significant player sales strategy as they aim to raise €200 million (£171.11 million) to bolster their pursuit of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.
Victor Osimhen to Chelsea: A Possibility?
Osimhen is long linked with a move to Stamford Bridge and has emerged as a key target for the Premier League side after his stellar performances. This includes 26 goals in Napoli’s Serie A title-winning campaign last season.
His recent contract renewal has only increased his valuation with a reported release clause of £113 million now in play.
Chelsea faces challenges in securing the Nigerian striker despite Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis indicating Osimhen’s potential departure after the 2023-24 season. The club’s absence from next season’s Champions League and financial constraints pose hurdles to their pursuit.
With Chelsea’s owners having invested over £1 billion across recent transfer windows, there is a pressing need to generate funds for further acquisitions.
The club’s board reportedly aims to exceed £170 million in player sales, with the primary focus on meeting Premier League financial regulations by June 30.
Also Read: Chelsea target Victor Osimhen close to joining PSG in a €120 million transfer deal
Who Could Potentially Leave Chelsea This Summer?
Key targets for potential sales include Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, Ian Maatsen, and Armando Broja, with additional funds expected from the permanent departure of Lewis Hall to Newcastle United.
Maatsen and Broja, currently on loan at Borussia Dortmund and Fulham respectively, are anticipated to attract interest in the upcoming transfer window.
Chelsea’s plans also involve offloading Marc Cucurella, Thiago Silva, and Malang Sarr, alongside securing permanent exits for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Romelu Lukaku, and Hakim Ziyech.
The urgency to find buyers for Arrizabalaga and Lukaku before June 30 arises from the potential burden of their high wages on the club’s finances.
As Chelsea navigates the complexities of player sales to fund their pursuit of Osimhen, the summer transfer window promises significant activity as the club seeks to strengthen its squad for future challenges.