Victor Osimhen in talks over surprise transfer after Chelsea deal collapses

Victor Osimhen could make a surprise move to Galatasaray as he bids to escape his Napoli exile.

The 25-year-old striker is said to be in talks over a loan move to the Turkish Super Lig having failed to negotiate a transfer elsewhere this summer. Osimhen’s exit from Napoli was expected despite signing a new contract at the end of 2023.

Despite being an option for both Chelsea and Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli on transfer deadline day, Osimhen remained at Napoli when the window shut. The Blues were unable to come to an agreement of the forward’s salary, despite the Nigeria international being clear he wanted to leave the south of Italy.

Chelsea were hopeful of establishing a loan deal that ultimately would see the club with an obligation to make the move permanent at the end of 2024/25. Instead, Osimhen has remained among the Partenopei but has not be involved in Serie A action under Antonio Conte.

The Italian coach added Romelu Lukaku to his side from Chelsea, in addition to midfielders Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour from the Premier League and has little interest in reintegrating the wantaway forward. “Strong players have arrived from a market that was difficult and at times blocked,” said Conte

“They came to fill the slots, and I’m happy with the work done by the club. Of course, if Osimhen had been sold, we would have completed the situation better.”

Reports in Italy claim that Galatasaray are now in talks with both the player and club over a possible move. Turkey’s transfer window remains open until September 13th, meaning the duration of the international break is available to complete a deal.

It is claimed Galatasaray are in talks with Napoli to discuss the contribution towards Osimhen’s salary that the Serie A side could make. The Turkish giants are in the market for a forward with Mauro Icardi sidelined with a hamstring injury for at least a month.

Napoli’s director Giovanni Manna noted that Osimhen remains intent on departing the club, despite the difficulty he has endured in realising a move. Manna believes his side are maintaining a consistent approach.

“The situation is very clear, it has been since the end of last season,” he said. “Victor expressed his absolute desire to not stay at Napoli, to not play for Napoli, and we tried to make him happy.

“Then there is a demand and an offer, we thought that we had concluded the negotiations, but then it did not go through. We bought Lukaku, kept Raspadori and Simeone, which was not to be taken for granted.

“At this moment, we maintain the same consistency we had since the start – he expressed the desire to no longer play for Napoli and so we made other choices.”