Chelsea in pole position to secure Osimhen’s signature

Nigeria’s Victor [FILES] Osimhen (Photo by Pius Utomi EKPEI / AFP)

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, might be playing his next season’s league in Europe with the English Premier League heavyweight, Chelsea FC, according to the Evening Standard.

The former Nigerian junior international is one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers after scoring 25 goals in 29 appearances for the runaway Italian Serie A leaders, Napoli, this season.

According to the report, the Blues regard the 24-year-old as their primary target this summer, as they hunt for a physical goalscorer up top.

Graham Potter’s men have endured a dismal season in front of goal, scoring just 29 goals in 27 Premier League games.

They will face fierce competition to land Osimhen, with top-flight rivals, Manchester United, another club known to be interested in the Super Eagles ace.

But the Red Devils are also expected to push to sign Tottenham striker, Harry Kane, which could put the West Londoners in the driving seat for their prime target.

Osimhen reportedly grew up idolising Chelsea icon, Didier Drogba, seemingly giving them the upper hand in proceedings.

The fee could be the biggest challenge for both clubs should they want to land the forward, with the Partenopei notoriously difficult negotiators.

They are thought to be demanding a fee between £88million and £132m, something that may prove an issue with Chelsea’s compliance with financial fair play rules following their heavy January outlay.

The Blues are also set to make a bid for Barcelona and Spain left-back, Alejandro Balde, 19, to replace Ben Chilwell, according to Sport.

Catalan outlet, El Nacional, report that Arsenal are set to go back in for Brazilian winger, Raphinha, 26, who chose Barcelona over the Gunners