Chelsea will win the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to BBC and Sky Sports pundit Micah Richards.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Richards was asked which club the Nigerian international could join this summer, and he said the Blues could pip Arsenal to the forward’s signature:

“Something in my mind says Chelsea I don’t know why, but I think Chelsea. You know because they are the most desperate for a striker.”

“I think Arsenal would love to have him, but they still see Gabriel Jesus as a number 9, and they have got Eddie Nketiah. I don’t know why but I think Chelsea will get him.”

A lot will depend on whether Chelsea can stump up the cash

Osimhen has a release clause in his contract that can be triggered at the end of the season. The buyout fee is believed to be €130m (£111m).

Considering the Blues haven’t been afraid to spend in previous transfer windows, it stands to reason that they will be prepared to activate the clause in July.

There are concerns, though, about what the implications will be in terms of complying with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability rules.

Chelsea need to finish the season strongly in order to convince Osimhen

The Nigerian has spoken out in an interview recently saying he was a fan of the Blues growing up, so that could give Mauricio Pochettino‘s side an advantage over other teams interested in signing him.

However, Osimhen still needs reassurance that Chelsea are moving in the right direction on the pitch. After a rocky first half of the season, Pochettino’s men appear to be making good progress now and if they can qualify for European football this campaign, it could be enough to convince the Napoli star to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.