“It doesn’t change much” – Transfer expert describes how new Osimhen deal won’t deter Chelsea pursuit

Victor Osimhen defeated Liverpool's Mohammed Salah and Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi to win the African Player of the Year award.

Super Eagles striker, Victor James Osimhen, is likely to extend his stay in Napoli for an additional year, but according to a transfer expert, the renewal won't deter Chelsea in their pursuit, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen, 24, was widely tipped to leave Naples after a stellar season which saw him score twenty-six league goals and lead the club to a Scudetto for the first time in over three decades.

Chelsea's current boss, Mauricio Pochettino has always been a big fan of the Super Eagles forward and has been keen on bringing the Nigerian to the Stamford Bridge, however, Napoli have refused to budge.

With Osimhen's current contract expiring in the summer of 2025, transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, posted that there has been a breakthrough in contract renewal discussions between the club and the striker, indicating that an announcement is imminent.

🚨🔵 Napoli reach an agreement in principlenwith Victor Osimhen on new contract with release clause included!

It will be valid until June 2026, one more year.

↪️🇳🇬 Final value of the clause, TDB — could be around €130m as per Sky.

Official announcement expected soon. pic.twitter.com/nVPhOQDwzM

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 13, 2023

The Italian journalist stated that a move to Chelsea isn't out of the question as the new deal might include a release clause.

“The possibility of a move later next year remains valid, even if January was always unrealistic. The release clause will be included in the contract, reported as being around €130m, but still to be confirmed,” the Italian said to Caught Offside.

With a reported €130m release clause in Osimhen's new contract, the ex-Lille man will become the most expensive African player, should Chelsea decide to activate the clause.