Chelsea gain upper hand in race for Victor Osimhen as Arsenal suspend search for striker

Premier League giants Chelsea remain the frontrunners in the pursuit of Napoli's prolific striker, Victor Osimhen. The Blues are reportedly eager to trigger Osimhen's £112 million release clause and could be buoyed by another suitor’s hesitation.

Recent reports indicate that Chelsea remains undeterred by the substantial release clause embedded in Osimhen's new contract with Napoli, which is anticipated to extend until June 2026.

The Evening Standard reports that Chelsea's interest in Osimhen is not solely motivated by contractual technicalities, and the Blues are buoyed by Osimhen's apparent willingness to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.

It's suggested that the Nigerian striker, drawing inspiration from Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, harbours a preference for the West London club over other suitors like Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

While Chelsea sets its sights on Osimhen, Arsenal seems to be taking a step back in their striker pursuit. According to Arsenal transfer specialist David Ornstein, the Gunners' search for a potent forward appears more likely to materialise in the summer transfer window than in January.

The obstacles to securing a January move for Ivan Toney from Brentford are substantial, requiring a significant bid to pry the striker away. As for Osimhen, Benjamin Sesko, and Evan Ferguson, who are also admired by Arsenal, the prospect of their arrival at the Emirates Stadium seems like a distant reality.

As the transfer saga unfolds, Chelsea's proactive approach and Osimhen's reported inclination towards the club position the Blues favourably in the race for the coveted striker. The coming weeks promise to intrigue and negotiations as the January transfer window takes centre stage in shaping the fortunes of these Premier League giants.