Chelsea’s long-term ambitions to sign Victor Osimhen have been handed a fresh boost despite his imminent move to Galatasaray from Napoli. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli have agreed to sell the Nigerian striker to the Turkish giants for €75m (£67m), structured as €40m upfront and €35m payable by 2026 — rather than activating his full release clause.
Crucially, the Italian report reveals that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis insisted on inserting an ‘anti-Italian clause’ into the deal. This condition prevents Galatasaray from selling Osimhen to any Serie A club before 2027, effectively blocking Italian rivals from signing him for the next two years — unless Galatasaray pay a significant penalty.
For Chelsea, who failed to finalise a deal for Osimhen last summer, this clause indirectly benefits them. If the striker thrives in Turkey but seeks a swift return to Europe’s top leagues, several Italian clubs would be out of contention — reducing Chelsea’s competition in any future transfer race.
The fractured relationship between Osimhen and Napoli after last summer’s transfer saga has ruled out a return to Italy, so Chelsea may yet have a clearer path if they reignite their pursuit within the next two seasons.
