Chelsea pursuit of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen faces setback as president Aurelio De Laurentiis reveals advanced talks of contract extension. Following reports of Chelsea considering a swoop bid for Osimhen to address their goalscoring issues, Napoli are reportedly determined to keep the forward for future projects. The Nigerian striker played a vital role in Napoli’s Serie A title victory last season, making him a prime target for club’s across Europe, seeking attacking reinforcements. De Laurentiis, while speaking at an awards ceremony said, “For Osimhen, we are now at the signing stage which has been pending since the summer.”
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen – Getty image Chelsea’s interest in the 24-year-old striker grew due to their challenges in front of goal in the Premier League this season, despite substantial investments in attacking options. The struggles of summer signing Nicolas Jackson and the absence of Christopher Nkunku intensified the need for a more daring goalscorer. Napoli’s strong stance on Osimhen’s value, with a reported £120m price tag, had dismissed suitors in the summer, but Chelsea returned, with the willingness to make the huge investment. However, with contract talks progressing with the Naples club, Chelsea’s hopes of securing Osimhen in the upcoming transfer window face uncertainty. The striker’s agent reportedly engaged in discussions with Napoli’s leadership during the recent Champions League clash against Real Madrid, to explore the possibilities for an extension, increased salary, and new release clause for the Super Eagles star.
The 30-year-old Swiss footballer has only one year remaining on his current Arsenal contract and there is no expectation that the club will look to extend that deal. There is, however, an option of an extra year, which will help to protect the midfielder’s transfer value this summer. Xhaka who has been at Arsenal since 2016, has scored seven goals and grabbed seven assists from 45 appearances in all competitions this season. Remaining at Emirates Stadium beyond the summer would have seen him enter the final 12 months of his contract, with the club also holding an option to extend that by another 12 months. The Swiss football star has endured some turbulent times during his career at Arsenal, most notably in 2019 when he was stripped of the captaincy following an outburst at fans when substituted during a game against Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium. 
The midfielder was ready to leave during that January transfer window and had agreed terms with Hertha Berlin. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who enjoys a good relationship with Xhaka, persuaded him to stay after showdown talks. Roma were also interested in Xhaka last summer. The Gunners are planning to revamp their midfield in the coming months due to lack of depth, and they are targeting two new signings. West Ham captain Declan Rice is their No1 target, but Arsenal are also fans of Brighton’s Moises Caicedo and Chelsea’s Mason Mount. 
