Chelsea Transfer News Roundup: Victor Osimhen wants Blues move; club suffer Emiliano Martinez blow, and more - May 16, 2024
Chelsea secured a hard-fought 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, May 15, in the Premier League. Goals from Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku helped Mauricio Pochettino's team bolster their chances of finishing sixth.
Meanwhile, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen wants to emulate one of his idols at Stamford Bridge. Elsewhere, the Blues have suffered a setback in their plans to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez this summer.
On that note, here's a look at the key Chelsea transfer stories as on May 16, 2024:
Victor Osimhen wants Chelsea move
Victor Osimhen is ready to join Chelsea this summer, according to La Repubblica. Despite Nicolas Jackson's recent form, the Blues remain keen to sign a proven No. 9 this summer.
Osimhen, who has been quite impressive for Napoli in recent seasons, is their preferred option. The 25-year-old has scored 17 goals and set up four in 31 appearances across competitions.
There's considerable interest in the Nigerian, who is likely to leave the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium this summer despite signing a new deal in December.
However, Osimhen wants to move to Stamford Bridge to follow in the footsteps of his idol Didier Drogba. Napoli are willing to let him go but want any suitor to trigger the player's €130 million release clause. However, the London giants have no desire to pay over €100 million for the 25-year-old.
Blues suffer Emiliano Martinez blow
Chelsea have suffered a setback in their efforts to secure the services of Emiliano Martinez this year.
According to journalist Dan Bardell, the Argentinian goalkeeper is unlikely to move to Stamford Bridge this summer. The Blues are looking for a new goalkeeper amid Robert Sanchez's struggles this season. Recent reports have suggested that they have their eyes on Martinez.
However, speaking to Villa News, Bardell insisted that the London giants will have to offer an insane amount of money for Aston Villa to even consider a move.
“If Chelsea were to offer ridiculous money it may tempt Villa because PSR is a thing and is a worry. I don’t think there’s any sort of offer where Martinez would want to go and I don’t really think that Villa would entertain anything," said Bardell.
He continued:
“I would say there is more chance of me signing to be back up to Emi Martinez than Martinez signing for Chelsea. He isn’t going to go and he certainly isn’t going to go there.”
Martinez has registered 15 clean sheets in 47 outings for the Villans this season.
Chelsea not in exit talks for full-back duo, says Fabrizio Romano
Chelsea are not in talks to offload Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The Spanish left-back has wrestled his way back into Pochettino's plans recently. Cucurella has started the last 13 games across competitions, chipping in with one goal and two assists.
Blues insider Simon Phillips recently said that the club are ready to let the 25-year-old, as well as Chilwell, leave this summer. However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano has refuted those claims.
“One more point on Chelsea – despite some talk about them being open to selling both left-backs Marc Cucurella and Ben Chilwell this summer, there are no negotiations or talks for either Cucurella or Chilwell at this point. Chelsea are not negotiating for them, and also Cucurella is doing very well so at the moment the situation is still quiet,” wrote Romano.
Recent reports have suggested that Manchester United are eyeing Cucurella with interest.