Napoli striker Victor Osimhen wants to become the highest-paid player in the Premier League if he joins Chelsea before the summer transfer deadline.
The Blues are said to be working hard on luring Osimhen to Stamford Bridge this week but have so far been stifled by Napoli’s and the player’s demands.
Enzo Maresca has recruited five new attackers to his squad this summer, most recently sanctioning Joao Felix’s £46million return from Atletico Madrid.
But the Italian coach is thought to be keen on adding another natural striker to his 11 signings in a hectic transfer window.
Nicolas Jackson and 18-year-old summer signing Marc Guiu are Chelsea’s only such options, which has fuelled a pursuit of Osimhen.
However, according to reports, Napoli have already rejected a season-long loan proposal from Chelsea, who are reluctant to trigger the 25-year-old’s £110m release clause.
The West London giants have been in negotiations with Napoli for most of the summer and agreed a separate £38m deal to offload Romelu Lukaku.
But their troubles while attempting to lure Osimhen to the Premier League haven’t solely stemmed from his transfer fee.
The report adds that the Nigeria international’s eye-watering salary demands are also holding up a summer swoop.
It’s claimed that Osimhen wants a staggering £500,000-a-week contract, which would send him to the summit of the Premier League’s wage list.
Manchester City duo Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland currently top the standings – pocketing £400,000 and £375,000 weekly, respectively.
But Chelsea would be unable to meet Osimhen’s request amid attempts to slash their own wage bill, which has sparked a push to offload players like Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell.
The Blues are said to have identified alternatives in case they are forced to walk away from the Napoli man.
One of them was Atletico’s Samu Omorodion before his £35m transfer collapsed at the final hurdle. He has since joined Porto for just £13m.
