'I thought': Sporting Director says he genuinely believed Chelsea would sign £60m striker this summer
Today at 07:15 AM
Chelsea had a busy summer transfer window, but they missed out on some of their main targets.
Indeed, Chelsea headed into the summer window in need of a new striker, but, unfortunately, they were unable to address that problem position.
However, it wasn't for a lack of trying.
Chelsea did make a move for Victor Osimhen on deadline day, but, sadly, nothing came off on that front.
Osimhen was also a target for Saudi Arabia towards the end of the transfer window, and according to Saudi Pro League Sporting Director, Michael Emenalo, Chelsea, at one point, looked like favourites to sign Osimhen.
Michael Emenalo thought Chelsea would sign Victor Osimhen
Emenalo spoke about Osimhen and the interest shown in the striker this summer.
The Sporting Director says that Saudi clubs were never close to signing the £60m striker, claiming that he genuinely thought Chelsea would sign him at one point.
"I must ask this, how close were you to signing Victor Osimhen?" Emenalo was asked.
"I think maybe in some club's mind they thought they were close, but what being close means is different to me because for me it's close when the paperwork comes through and requires my evaluation and signature. Until that happens it's not close.
"There was obviously clear interest, who wouldn't want Victor Osimhen. I thought my former club (Chelsea) would get him, because he's a terrific talent."
Chelsea could still sign Osimhen
Osimhen to Chelsea didn't happen in the summer, but this isn't a deal that is dead in the water.
Indeed, Osimhen is only on loan at Galatasaray for the season, and he still needs a full-time escape route from Napoli at some point.
Arsenal have apparently dropped their interest in Osimhen, and that gives Chelsea something of a free run at signing the Nigerian in an upcoming transfer window.
Chelsea's striker situation remains unresolved, and with Osimhen set to be back on the market in the coming months, we may not have heard the last of this story.
After scoring two goals and grabbing two assists in three appearances this season, it's clear that Osimhen is still a top player, and Chelsea could do a lot worse than re-igniting their interest in the Napoli star in 2025.
