Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has revealed why the club failed to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli during the recent transfer window.
Despite persistent rumors linking Osimhen to Chelsea throughout the transfer period, the deal fell through.
Maresca confirmed that the primary obstacle was the player’s wage demands, which exceeded Chelsea’s established salary cap.
Sports Buddy previously reported that Osimhen was seeking a staggering £500,000 weekly salary, far surpassing Chelsea’s wage structure.
While Osimhen was reportedly keen on joining Chelsea, the club’s unwillingness to meet his financial expectations led to a stalemate.
As a result, the Nigerian international remained with Napoli, where he has been removed from the squad.
Maresca on Victor Osimhen’s failed Chelsea move
Speaking on the situation after Chelsea’s draw with Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Maresca confirmed that the transfer fell through due to the Napoli striker’s demands.
“We want players, but we wanted a player that we decide it has to be on our conditions,” the Chelsea boss said, per Fabrizio Romano on X.
”If a player is not here then it was not.”
Maresca’s comment can be seen as a message to Victor Osimhen, who wanted to join Chelsea but insisted on terms that do not align with the club’s wage policy.
However, Maresca did not rule out the possibility of acquiring a new striker in January, suggesting that the club may still attempt to sign Osimhen during the winter transfer window.
“New striker in January? We will see,” Maresca added.
With Conte confirming there is no way back for Osimhen at Napoli, the striker faces a challenging situation. He must secure a transfer to a new club within the next few weeks
