Chelsea have reportedly decided against reigniting their pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in the upcoming January transfer window. The Nigerian international, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been in scintillating form, netting 12 goals in 15 appearances across all competitions, including a standout performance in last month’s Europa League victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
Osimhen’s loan move to Turkey followed a fallout with Napoli, raising speculation about his future. Despite previous interest, Chelsea will not pursue the 25-year-old this winter, focusing instead on a long-term strategy to bolster their attacking options, according to The Athletic.
The London club, currently second in the Premier League, had made a late attempt to sign Osimhen during the summer transfer window. Their proposal, which included a season-long loan with an obligation to buy, fell through, and the striker joined Galatasaray.
With an already well-equipped attack featuring Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix, and Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea’s management appears content with their current roster. However, the club is actively scouting potential future talents, including Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, with any significant additions expected to be deferred until the summer.
Meanwhile, Chelsea could see a reshuffling of their squad during the January window. Players like Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who have struggled for consistent game time under manager Enzo Maresca, are rumored to be on the list of potential exits.
Chelsea’s Boxing Day saw a 2-1 defeat to Fulham at Stamford Bridge, with the team aiming to bounce back in their final fixture of the year against Ipswich Town on December 30. The decision to hold off on pursuing Osimhen suggests a calculated approach to future planning rather than immediate fixes.
