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.
Adrien Rabiot celebrates a goal. Source: Getty Last summer, Erik ten Hag agreed a fee with Juventus for Rabiot but the deal fell through after an agreement over personal terms could not be reached. Eventually, United went on to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid. With the Mason Mount deal on the rocks and Rabiot committing to another year in Serie A, Manchester United may now turn to Brighton and Hove Albion’s Moises Caicedo. The Ecuadorian was interested in leaving Roberto De Zerbi’s club in January but a move elsewhere failed to materialise. The 21-year-old has a price tag of £80m but it is understood that United would be open to reaching this figure due to his potential. 
The 32-year-old Spaniard who joined Manchester United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, during Sir Alex Ferguson’s time in charge at the club, agreed to a £375,000-a-week salary in September 2019, making him the highest-paid goalkeeper in the world. With his contract expected to expire in a few months, The Athletic reported that the club’s opening proposal for a contract extension has been dismissed by De Gea. 
While De Gea wants to stay at Old Trafford, he also feels his performances justify him being one of the best-paid players in the squad. It is expected they will continue to negotiate in the hope of reaching a positive conclusion. De Gea has so far made 529 appearances for the Red Devils. He has won four Players’ Player of the Year awards during that time and lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, and Europa League.