Chelsea will only be able to secure the services of Victor Osimhen if his stance on a loan move changes, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking on Playback, Romano said that the Blues can’t afford to sign the Nigerian international, even if it is a loan with a mandatory purchase clause so, unless Osimhen makes a U-turn and says he is willing to join without the guarantee of a permanent transfer, the deal will not go ahead:

“Chelsea have not discussed an obligation for Osimhen because it would be too expensive! Chelsea on a permanent deal for Osimhen would have to give Osimhen the same salary as he’s on at Napoli, imagine this for four years then the transfer fee, today this could be complicated for Chelsea for FFP.”

“This was the same with Nico Williams and Olise, players appreciated massively by Chelsea but the financial package is a lot. Osimhen is not opening the door as of today to a straight loan, if he does that, say no one moves for Osimhen in the next weeks, then we will see, but Chelsea don’t have green light from Osimhen for a straight loan move. Only way, change Osimhen’s mind on a loan move or find a creative formula.”

A move to Chelsea looks unlikely

As Romano points out, Osimhen’s wage demands and the issues with Financial Fair Play mean any transfer to Stamford Bridge will be extremely difficult to pull off.

There is a small possibility that, if we reach the last few days of the transfer window and Osimhen hasn’t found a new club, the 25-year-old will be more open to a temporary switch. He is not expected to stay at Napoli with new head coach Antonio Conte having not used him in pre-season so far.

Who are the favourites to sign Osimhen?

Paris Saint-Germain are believed to have agreed personal terms with the player, and they are offering a salary which is significantly higher than Chelsea can afford. However, the Ligue One champions have not found an agreement on the transfer fee.

Reports in Italy have also suggested Arsenal as a potential suitor but it’s likely those claims have been fed to the media in order to pressure PSG into making a better offer.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here