Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has shed light on the club's decision to abandon their pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Despite a summer-long search for a new forward, negotiations with Napoli only gained momentum in the final days of the transfer window, ultimately failing to meet the deadline.
Maresca emphasized the importance of adhering to Chelsea's terms, stating, "We want players but we want players that we decide and then the condition has to be our condition. So if the players are not here, then that means the conditions were not good for us." This stance was reiterated following Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace on September 1, 2024.
The primary obstacle in securing Osimhen was the salary structure. While the Nigerian international currently earns over €10 million per season at Napoli, Chelsea's offer fell hugely short.
The proposed package included €4 million in guaranteed pay, €2 million in performance-related bonuses, and an additional €2 million contingent on Champions League qualification. This offer was less than half of Osimhen's current guaranteed earnings, making it unacceptable to the player.
Earlier, Osimhen had agreed to a lucrative contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, worth €40 million per season. However, this deal also fell through when Napoli demanded an extra €5 million in bonuses, leading Al Ahli to withdraw their offer.
As a result, Osimhen remains in limbo at Napoli, with the club's director Giovanni Manna confirming that his situation is "very clear" and he will not be welcomed back. The failed transfer has left Osimhen's future uncertain, with potential moves in the January transfer window being a possibility.
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