Inside Chelsea’s last ditch bid to sign Victor Osimhen as transfer goes up in smoke amid wild demands and Naples dash
CHELSEA made a last ditch attempt to sign Victor Osimhen in the final hour of the transfer window, according to reports.
The Blues were very active on deadline day – just as they had been throughout the window.
They wrapped up a late deal to sign Jadon Sancho on loan from Manchester United while Raheem Sterling’s loan switch to Arsenal was announced three hours after the deadline.
But Chelsea failed to land Osimhen, who has been a major target for the club for several months.
According to Sky Sports, Chelsea made a final offer to Osimhen in the dying hours of the window but did not hear back from the striker.
There were even reports of Chelsea chiefs flying to Naples on Friday to persuade Osimhen to join.
Chelsea were also up against Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, who were understood to have agreed a £67million deal with Napoli.
Osimhen looked set to join but demanded wages of £500,000-a-week – a figure neither Chelsea nor Al-Ahli were willing to pay.
Chelsea were hopeful Osimhen would agree an incentive-based package, with Todd Boehly having introduced a wage structure to reduce spending.
And fans were left fuming after it was claimed the Blues offered Osimhen just £130,000-a-week.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Ivan Toney was also linked with a deadline day switch to Stamford Bridge but Al-Ahli won the race for the England star.
But Enzo Maresca did manage to add attacking reinforcements in the shape of Sancho, who arrived on loan with an obligation to buy.
TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest transfer deals from around the world this summer