Chelsea are unlikely to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this month, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Nigerian international has recently signed a new contract which includes a €130m (£112m) buyout fee, but that clause only comes into effect in the summer. Writing in his column for the Daily Briefing Substack, Romano said that the chances of the player moving in January are pretty low:

“I don’t see Osimhen leaving Napoli in January and I think his contract extension was part of the project between Osimhen and Napoli to continue together until the end of the season, and then to maybe leave in the summer.”

Romano did, however, raise the prospect of the Blues reaching a “pre-agreement” with Osimhen and his representatives on personal terms ahead of a transfer in July.

Where does it leave Chelsea’s search for a striker?

Manager Mauricio Pochettino would clearly prefer a forward to be brought in during the January transfer window. Back in December, when speaking about his team’s wastefulness in front of goal, the Blues boss said:

“That is something to analyse with the sporting directors and the owners and see what we can do to change this dynamic and change in the second part of the season.”

However, with Osimhen out of reach, and the cost of signing an alternative such as Brentford’s Ivan Toney looking prohibitive, there is now a chance that Chelsea may keep their powder dry until the summer.

Could Chelsea recruit a cheaper alternative in January?

There has been some speculation that the London club have looked at Girona striker Artem Dovbyk. The Ukrainian international has scored 12 goals in 21 appearances this season and is said to be available for £39m.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has also been on the club’s radar for some time and would likely cost the same amount as Dovbyk. However, that money could be kept in the back pocket in anticipation of the club’s pursuit of Osimhen.