Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Blues plan January Victor Osimhen move, club monitoring 2 strikers, and more - September 5, 2024
Chelsea have made multiple changes to their squad over the summer. Enzo Maresca has been tasked with taking the club back to their heydays.
Meanwhile, the Blues are planning to move for Victor Osimhen at the turn of the year. Elsewhere, the London giants are monitoring two young strikers.
On that note, let's look at the major Chelsea transfer stories from September 5, 2024.
Chelsea plan January Victor Osimhen move, says journalist
Chelsea are planning to move for Victor Osimhen at the turn of the year, according to club insider Simon Phillips. The Blues were in talks to sign the Napoli striker all summer, but failed to get the transfer across the line.
Osimhen also had interest from the Middle East, but ended up joining Galatasaray on a temporary move earlier this week. However, there is reportedly a break clause in the loan deal which can be activated in the winter.
In his Substack column, Phillips insisted that the London giants haven't ended their pursuit of the Nigerian.
“SPTC sources have confirmed that right now, Chelsea are still considering a big move for Osimhen in January. The club have not walked away from him and have communicated to both Napoli and Osimhen that they are going to re-convene for a January move soon," wrote Phillips.
He continued:
“It is also true that there is a January break clause in his season long loan contract at Galatasaray that can only be triggered by certain clubs that Osimhen has chosen, and one IS Chelsea. We will have to see if there is any serious competition for him in January too, as that could present an issue.
Phillips added that internal discussions are scheduled at Stamford Bridge regarding a move for the 25-year-old in January.
“Chelsea will now have internal discussions about a new striker in January and sources are not ruling out a pre-deal to sign one (although we’re not sure if that’s allowed with Osimhen, at least officially)," wrote Phillips.
He concluded:
“There’s no guarantee that our new striker pursuit will be Osimhen yet, but he is certainly still very much on our radar and in our plans. Remember, he has been the owners ‘dream signing’ since they arrived at the club, so we aren’t about to give up now.”
Osimhen's release clause has reportedly been slashed to £63m, as per GIVEMESPORT.
Blues monitoring 2 strikers, says journalist
Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Benjamin Sesko and Evan Ferguson, according to Simon Phillips. The Blues are already planning for 2025 after an eventful summer transfer window.
A new No. 9 is a priority, and Victor Osimhen remains their preferred target. However, the London giants have shown a tendency to move for younger talents of late and that trend looks set to continue next year.
Sesko has been in superb form for RB Leipzig in recent times and was also wanted by Arsenal this summer. He could be a superb fit for Enzo Maresca's tactics at Stamford Bridge.
Ferguson, however, hasn't lived up to the billing with Brighton & Hove Albion, but the Blues will be hoping it is only a temporary blip. For now, the London giants will send out scouts to monitor both players before making a decision on possible moves.
Chelsea working to offload David Fofana
Chelsea are looking to complete the sale of David Fofana in the coming days, according to journalist Kieran Gill. The 21-year-old doesn't feature in Enzo Maresca's plans and was heavily linked with an exit this summer.
The transfer market remains open in multiple countries at the moment and the Blues are desperate to offload him in the coming days. AEK Athens are reportedly keen to take the Frenchman to Greece and are already in talks for a move.
Fofana is likely to be open to the move as well, as he looks to get his career back on track. The 21-year-old needs regular football at the moment, so the transfer could suit all parties involved.