Chelsea have yet to rule out a potential move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who remains under consideration as the Blues prepare for a transfer showdown with Manchester United.
Both Premier League clubs are on the lookout for attacking reinforcements this summer.
While they have been linked with high-profile names such as Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres, and Benjamin Sesko, attention has shifted toward Ipswich Town’s £30m-rated Liam Delap.
The Blues have been eager to secure Delap’s signature swiftly, but competition from United, who have identified the England Under-21 international as their primary attacking target, has intensified.
This growing competition has prompted Chelsea to remain open-minded in their pursuit of a new striker.
According to BBC Sport, the Premier League club are keeping their plans close to the chest amid the uncertainty surrounding a potential transfer.
While Sesko and Gyokeres remain options, it is notable that Chelsea has not entirely dismissed Osimhen, despite his previous move to Stamford Bridge collapsing last summer.
The 26-year-old’s wage demands were a key factor in the breakdown of negotiations, and they have not changed this time around.
Osimhen is reportedly asking for over £300,000 per week – an amount that led United to withdraw from the race and shift their focus to Delap instead.
Chelsea, known for their incentivised wage structure that typically avoids such high salaries, have not been deterred by Osimhen’s demands and continues to see him as a viable option.
Although Chelsea found Osimhen’s wage requests “prohibitive” during last summer’s negotiations, former Blue John Obi Mikel has suggested that a deal could still be revived quickly if the club decides to pursue the striker again.
Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, has enjoyed a prolific season, scoring 33 goals in 38 appearances.
The Turkish side are eager to sign him permanently but are unlikely to match the financial power of the Premier League clubs in the race for his signature.
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