The Blues have endured a dismal season so far and have been left with nothing to play for in the final weeks of the season.
Last weekend, caretaker manager Frank Lampard recorded his first win since returning to the club as his side ran out 3-1 winners over Bournemouth, and he will be looking for more of the same when they welcome Steve Cooper’s side to Stamford Bridge this weekend.
In the meantime, it appears that those in charge of the west London side have made a surprise decision on one of their transfer targets.
As reported by Football Insider, Chelsea are set to put their pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen on hold.
The Blues are said to be on the hunt for a new striker this summer and Osimhen, who has helped Napoli to the Serie A title, is believed to be one of their prime targets.
Despite this, the report claims that those in charge of the club now perceive a move for the Nigeria international as ‘too hard to do’ this summer.
Osimhen, 24, joined the Italian champions from French side Lille in 2020 and has since been in fine form in Naples.
The Nigerian has netted 56 times in 97 appearances across all competitions, as well as providing 14 assists.
The forward is said to be keen on the idea of a move to the Premier League, although he is contracted to Napoli until 2025 which would put the Italian side in a commanding position during potential negotiations.
It is claimed that Napoli will demand more than £100 million if they are to let Osimhen – who has scored 23 league goals this term – leave this summer.
Chelsea are set to be in the market for a new striker this summer following what has already been a disastrous campaign in front of goal.
The London outfit have netted just 34 times in the Premier League so far this season, a tally bettered by 15 teams including relegation-threatened Leeds United and Leicester City.
