Brentford striker Ivan Toney has finalized his transfer to Al-Ahli, completing a £40 million move to the Saudi Pro League. Despite recent strong interest from Chelsea, the England international appears set to make his move to the Middle East, Chelsea now have shift its focus to securing Napoli’s star forward, Victor Osimhen, after missing out on Toney.
Chelsea had been heavily linked with Toney in recent days, but it seems Al-Ahli has won the race for his signature. According to sources close to TEAMtalk, Chelsea is determined to sign a new center-forward before the transfer window closes, with Toney and Napoli star Victor Osimhen being their primary targets.
Victor Osimhen to Chelsea: The Next Big Transfer?
With Ivan Toney’s Transfer to Al-Ahli nearly finalized, Chelsea now seems to have a clear path to pursue Osimhen. The Blues are reportedly confident of securing a deal for the Nigerian striker before the transfer deadline.
Renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed Toney’s medical completion on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “Ivan Toney deal being completed between Al Ahli and Brentford, all the documents are being reviewed! Medical tests done in London, completed. If all goes to plan, Toney becomes new Al Ahli striker tonight as Osimhen deal is in total stand-by.”
Chelsea is now focusing its efforts on bringing Osimhen to Stamford Bridge. Sources have revealed that Osimhen has expressed his desire to join Chelsea, and negotiations between Napoli and the London club are ongoing. However, the situation is reportedly tense as both sides work to finalize the deal.
Contrary to earlier reports, Osimhen has not rejected a £130,000 per week wage offer from Chelsea. In fact, Chelsea is prepared to make him their top earner, with a proposed weekly wage exceeding £325,000.
Also, TEAMtalk, quoting from sources, has confirmed that Chelsea has presented a “very good” contract offer to Osimhen’s representatives and is negotiating the payment structure with Napoli. The transfer fee is expected to be around £65 million, a figure that Al-Ahli had initially bid for Osimhen before shifting their focus to Toney.
Victor Osimhen, 25, played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A title win in the 2022/23 season, scoring an impressive 26 goals in 32 league appearances. He continued his strong form last season, netting 15 goals in 25 matches. Should he replicate this form in the Premier League, Osimhen could be a transformative signing for Chelsea.
