Chelsea are reportedly considering a move for Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin as an alternative to Victor Osimhen.
The Blues have been chasing the reigning African Footballer of the Year all summer and the main stumbling block to a deal is his asking price, with Napoli valuing their number 9 at 130 million euros (equivalent of N229 billion in Nigerian currency).
According to reports, Chelsea are also exploring other striker options, including Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Juventus’ Federico Chiesa, both seen as more affordable alternatives.
The report added that Osimhen’s proposed move to Chelsea could be off due to his mammoth wage demands.
Osimhen saw his salary increase from 4.5 million euros to 10 million euros plus bonuses with effect from last season after signing a contract extension at Napoli.
It is claimed that the Super Eagles star is demanding wages that would make him one of the highest-earning players in the Premier League.
While Chelsea considered bringing in Osimhen on loan with an option to buy, they couldn’t reach an agreement with Napoli, and the player himself is reluctant to join Stamford Bridge on a temporary basis.
The 2015 Fifa U17 World Cup winner did not participate in any of Napoli’s pre-season matches and also sat out the first two competitive games of the new season amid ongoing uncertainty about his future at the Diego Maradona Stadium.
Paris Saint Germain have been credited with an interest in the 25-year-old but like Chelsea, the French champions are reluctant to trigger his release clause.
