Premier League giants Chelsea have reportedly joined the growing list of clubs interested in signing Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, with Turkish champions Galatasaray placing a staggering €150 million valuation on the prolific Nigerian forward ahead of the summer transfer window.
The renewed transfer speculation comes after comments made by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle regarding Osimhen’s absence from Nigeria’s squad for upcoming international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal. Chelle revealed that the striker was omitted from the team due to uncertainties surrounding his club future and the possibility of a major transfer move.
Speaking on the decision, Chelle explained that he preferred the striker to remain focused on resolving his future rather than participate in the international fixtures amid intense transfer discussions.
According to the coach, a player facing significant career decisions may struggle to maintain full concentration on national team assignments. He stressed that complete mental commitment is essential for top-level performances and suggested that Osimhen’s absence was intended to allow him adequate time to manage any ongoing negotiations regarding a potential club switch.
The coach’s comments immediately sparked widespread speculation across Europe, with several media outlets interpreting them as confirmation that the Nigerian international was on the verge of leaving Galatasaray.
However, Osimhen quickly moved to calm the growing rumours and insisted that the coach’s remarks had been misunderstood and taken out of context.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, the striker disclosed that he had spoken directly with Chelle regarding the interview and clarified that the coach held Galatasaray in high regard and had no intention of fueling transfer speculation.
Osimhen noted that Chelle regularly follows Galatasaray matches and respects the Turkish club. He appealed to supporters and the media to disregard reports suggesting that his absence from the national team was linked to an imminent transfer.
The Super Eagles media department also issued clarifications shortly afterward, emphasizing that the coach’s comments should not be interpreted as confirmation of any pending move.
Despite Osimhen’s efforts to downplay the rumours, interest in the Nigerian striker remains intense across Europe, with several top clubs reportedly monitoring his situation.
Manchester United have long been linked with the former Napoli star and are believed to view him as one of their priority targets as they seek to strengthen their attacking options. Reports from England have consistently suggested that Osimhen remains high on the Red Devils’ shortlist as the club prepares for a major squad overhaul.
Chelsea have now emerged as another serious contender for the striker’s signature. According to reports from Turkey, the London club have initiated preliminary contacts regarding a possible move and are expected to explore the feasibility of a deal during the transfer window.
The Blues are understood to be keen on reinforcing their forward line with a proven goalscorer capable of leading their attack for years to come. Osimhen’s combination of pace, power, aerial dominance and clinical finishing has made him one of the most sought-after strikers in world football.
However, any club hoping to secure his services will have to meet Galatasaray’s significant valuation.
Turkish media reports indicate that Galatasaray’s hierarchy are determined to keep their star striker and have made it clear that they would only consider offers in the region of €150 million.
The Turkish champions reportedly believe Osimhen’s market value has risen considerably since they signed him from Italian club Napoli for €75 million last summer. Club officials view the Nigerian as a key pillar of their sporting project and are unwilling to sanction a sale unless an extraordinary offer arrives.
Galatasaray’s firm stance reflects Osimhen’s immense impact since arriving in Istanbul.
The Nigerian enjoyed another remarkable campaign, playing a decisive role in helping the club successfully defend its Turkish Super Lig title. His goalscoring exploits once again demonstrated why he remains one of the most feared strikers in Europe.
During the league season, Osimhen scored 15 goals and provided five assists in just 22 appearances, consistently delivering match-winning performances for the Turkish giants.
His influence extended beyond domestic competition. In the UEFA Champions League, the Nigerian forward contributed seven goals and three assists, helping Galatasaray reach the Round of 16 and compete strongly against some of Europe’s elite clubs.
Those performances have further enhanced his reputation and attracted interest from clubs across England, Spain and other major European leagues.
Sources close to the player suggest that Osimhen remains happy at Galatasaray and is fully committed to the club. Nevertheless, they acknowledge that football’s transfer market can be unpredictable and that any future decision will ultimately depend on discussions between the player and the club.
As the summer transfer window approaches, attention will remain firmly fixed on one of Africa’s biggest football stars. Whether Osimhen stays in Turkey or embarks on another major move, his future is expected to be one of the most closely watched transfer stories in European football.
For now, Galatasaray appear determined to retain their prized asset, while Chelsea and other interested clubs weigh the possibility of meeting the enormous financial demands required to secure the signature of the Super Eagles striker.
