Arise News journalist Aaron Akerejola has provided some insight into Victor Osimhen’s unsuccessful attempt to sign with Premier League powerhouse Chelsea on transfer deadline day in England a week ago.
Through a chat facilitated by former president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, Osimhen opened up to Akerejola about his failed transfer to Chelsea.
The former Lille striker signed a new deal with Napoli last December, which included a 130 million euro release clause.
Akeredola reveals conversation with Victor Osimhen
However, Osimhen disclosed that a TikTok scandal with the Italian side had a negative influence on his mental health, contributing to his decision to leave the team.
The African Footballer of the Year also asserted that manager Antonio Conte begged him to stay at Napoli, contrary to the media reports.
But the 25-year-old striker was eventually frozen out of the Napoli squad, having broken bridges with the club following his failed deadline transfer to Chelsea.
Victor Osimhen also revealed the reason for the breakdown in talks with Chelsea, claiming he felt disrespected by the Premier League club’s approach.
The Nigerian international said that Chelsea had disregarded him by going directly to Napoli to negotiate a transfer agreement without telling him as early as August 1.
In an attempt to sign Osimhen, Chelsea were prepared to use Romelu Lukaku as a makeweight, but a deal could not be achieved.
Osimhen and Al-Ahli had already reached a personal agreement before the Blues arrived on deadline day, but Napoli’s unreasonable demands prevented the striker from joining the Saudi Pro League.
“He claims Chelsea completely disrespected him, negotiating a swap deal without his consent,” Akerejola revealed in a video on Arise News YouTube channel.
He continued, “Thirty minutes after the deal with Al-Ahli was off, Chelsea finally reached out to Osimhen through co-owner, Hansjörg Wyss, offering him 130,000 pounds per week.
“Chelsea tried to arm-twist him with the claim he wanted £500,000-a-week.
“According to Mikel Obi who was helping engineer that particular deal, nothing like that was actually put out there.”
Watch the video below, from 4:09′
Victor Osimhen turned down Chelsea’s offer, arguing that £20,000 is for image rights, 20% goes to the NHS, and 43% of the earnings go to the British government.
The 25-year-old arrived for international duty on Thursday, September 5, having completed a loan transfer to Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray.
