Chelsea and Liverpool are the two clubs “waiting” for the outcome of talks between Victor Osimhen and Napoli about a contract extension, according to Calciomercato.com.

The Italian website claims that negotiations over a new deal are not progressing smoothly with there being a “large gap” between the two parties.

Osimhen is said to be demanding double his current salary, taking his earnings to €9m a year (which works out at roughly £150,000 a week).

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, meanwhile, wants a release clause that is worth in excess of €200m (£174m); a figure that Osimhen’s agents are not willing to accept.

Calciomercato report that the size of the buyout fee is a “big problem” which may not be easily resolved. Consequently, with Osimhen’s current contract set to expire in 2025, it would leave him vulnerable to offers next summer.

Osimhen is unlikely to move teams in January

Chelsea are believed to be keen on recruiting a new No.9 when the transfer window reopens in January but Napoli are not expected to let him leave before the end of the season, especially with negotiations over a new contract still ongoing.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side will have to decide whether to wait until June or July to buy Osimhen or move on to other targets.

Liverpool could be Chelsea’s main rival for the striker’s signature

Arsenal have been linked with Osimhen in recent months but it appears that Liverpool will be Chelsea’s biggest competitor in the race to sign the Nigerian international.

Calciomercato have claimed that the Reds have had “several direct contacts” with Osimhen’s entourage already, although they emphasise that Chelsea do retain an interest in the player. From the looks of things, though, it seems as if the player’s future won’t be decided for quite some time.

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