Chelsea’s interest in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen may hit a snag as the club remains firm on its £70,000 per week salary cap for new signings. This decision could force Chelsea to look elsewhere, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney now appearing a more likely target.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Napoli’s star striker Victor Osimhen is facing significant hurdles, with the club unwilling to break its newly imposed wage structure that caps new signings at £70,000 per week. This strict salary policy is part of a broader strategy to maintain financial stability, but it could jeopardize Chelsea’s ability to attract top-tier talent.
Reports from Sky Sports transfer chief Kaveh Solhekol indicate that Chelsea is no longer interested in offering the exorbitant wages that have become standard for elite players, with contracts in the range of £200,000 to £300,000 per week off the table. This approach aligns with the club’s vision under the management of Enzo Maresca, who is keen on building a cohesive squad without the financial strain of hefty salaries.
Victor Osimhen, who has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, now finds himself in a precarious position. The Nigerian striker, currently plying his trade at Napoli, has been a standout performer in Serie A. However, his reluctance to accept a pay cut could see Chelsea shift their focus to more financially viable options.
One such option is Brentford’s Ivan Toney. According to Solhekol, Toney is reportedly willing to fit into Chelsea’s wage structure, making him a more feasible target. “The average wage of their new signing is between £60,000-a-week and £70,000-a-week,” Solhekol explained. “That is the base wage before you add in bonuses. I think there is a feeling that Ivan Toney is willing to fit into that wage structure. Also, he’s coming from a club like Brentford who are not famed for paying massive wages.”
This conservative wage policy reflects a significant shift in Chelsea’s transfer strategy, prioritizing financial prudence over the acquisition of high-profile names. While this approach may help the club avoid financial pitfalls, it could also limit their ability to compete for top talent like Osimhen.
The outcome of Chelsea’s pursuit of a new striker will likely depend on their willingness to compromise on wages or pivot to players who align with their current financial strategy. For now, the likelihood of seeing Victor Osimhen in a Chelsea shirt seems uncertain, with Ivan Toney emerging as a more realistic target.
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