Victor Osimhen to Chelsea transfer timeline clear as release clause expiry draws near

Chelsea have a clear timeline if they wish to finally complete the signing of striker Victor Osimhen this season, with his Napoli release clause reportedly expiring next month.

The Blues have already strengthened in the striking department this summer with the £30 million signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich. But they could still be on the lookout for more attacking reinforcements before the end of the window.

A long-term transfer target is Napoli striker Osimhen. The Nigeria international is expected to leave the Italian club on a permanent deal this summer, having spent the season just gone on loan with Turkish side Galatasaray.

He has reportedly turned down a big-money more to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal this summer. The striker reportedly wants to instead stay in Europe, with Galatasaray linked with a move alongside several other clubs, including Chelsea.

A release clause in Osimhen’s contract means that he is available to clubs outside of Italy for a fee of €75 million (£64m). But reports from Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport claim that there is an expiry date on that clause.

The report says that clubs have until mid-July until the clause expires. If they don’t complete a move before then, then they risk Napoli demanding a higher price.

The report claims that Juventus are the latest team pushing to get a deal for the striker done this summer. With the Old Lady being a Serie A club, the clause and therefore the deadline doesn’t apply to them.

They are said to have competition from Paris Saint-Germain, Al Hilal, Galatasaray and the Premier League. All the clubs would be able to trigger the clause before it expires next month, instead of having to negotiate from the start with Napoli.

Osimhen impressed in the Turkish Super Lig in the 2024/25 season. In 30 league appearances, he scored 26 times and provided five assists, helping Galatasaray to lift the league title.