Chelsea lures Osimhen with N4.4b annual wage

Premier League giants Chelsea have stepped up their chase for the red-hot Napoli striker Victor Osimhen with a €9m (N4.4b) as an annual salary which is twice his current wage at the Napoli-based club.

The 24-year-old has been on the wish list of some elite European clubs following his explosive form for the Serie A league leaders this term.

The Prince of Naples has netted 21 goals plus 4 assists in 26 appearances across all competitions for the Spalletti-led side in 2022/2023.

Napoli are riding on the back of Osimhen's explosive form as they have opened a 15-point gap at the top of Serie A ahead of Inter in second place.

According to reports, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is willing to offload some first-team players including the likes of Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic to accommodate the Super Eagles striker at Stamford Bridge.

The Blue's owner is also ready to double Osimhen's current salary of €4.5m (£3.9m) in his bid rival Manchester United for the signature of the Nigerian striker, as per Calciomercato.

Meanwhile, speaking after receiving the award for the Foreign Athlete of the Year in Italy from the Foreign Press Association, Osimhen disclosed his dream of playing in the Premiership in the near future.

“A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League as the best and strongest league,” said the 24-year-old.

“I’m in one of the best leagues of the world, which is the Italian Serie A.

“Of course, I’m working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League someday, but it’s a process and I just want to keep on this momentum.”

WDN