Chelsea Transfer News: Toney and Osimhen on Verge of Joining Al Ahli

Al Ahli's Pursuit of Chelsea Striker Targets: Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen

Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli has reportedly secured agreements for two significant Chelsea striker targets, Ivan Toney from Brentford and Victor Osimhen from Napoli. The combined transfer fee for this ambitious double signing is valued at an impressive £107.3 million.

Details on the Transfers

According to sources, Al Ahli has negotiated a £40 million deal with Brentford for Toney, while they have reached an agreement with Napoli for Osimhen at £67.3 million (approximately £80 million). Both players are expected to undergo medical examinations, with Toney scheduled to head to London for his on Friday.

Chelsea's Striker Dilemma

Chelsea had made initial approaches for Toney earlier in the week and had been monitoring Osimhen's situation throughout the summer. The West London club's initial strategy included bringing Osimhen on a loan deal coupled with an obligation to buy. However, Al Ahli outpaced Chelsea by agreeing to a lucrative four-year contract with Osimhen worth around £33.6 million (roughly £40 million) annually, translating to a remarkable £646,154 per week, tax-free. This deal also features a release clause.

Impact on Chelsea and the Serie A

Should the transfer of Osimhen finalize, he will be moving to Al Ahli, a decision that Napoli had preferred. Following Osimhen's potential departure, Napoli has already signed Romelu Lukaku from Chelsea as a strategic replacement. Prior to the Saudi move, Osimhen's agent, Roberto Calenda, had emphasized the player's ambitions in Europe, suggesting that Chelsea had avenues to meet his demands. Nonetheless, the club has reportedly not matched Osimhen's expectations within their newly structured pay framework.

Concerns Over Al Ahli's Dual Signing Feasibility

Despite the excitement surrounding the potential acquisitions, senior sources in Saudi Arabia express skepticism about Al Ahli's ability to sign both Osimhen and Toney simultaneously. Current regulations allow clubs in the Saudi Pro League to field a maximum of 10 foreign players within their 25-man squads. Al Ahli's limitations on foreign player slots raise questions about the viability of this double deal.

The Future of Chelsea's Striker Search

If Chelsea's attempts to secure Osimhen and Toney fall through, manager Enzo Maresca may shift focus to alternative striker options before the summer transfer window closes at 11 PM on Friday. Players like Jhon Duran from Aston Villa and Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Everton are also under consideration. Former player Jamie Carragher has stressed the urgency for Chelsea to finalize a striker transfer, asserting that the club's current attacking setup requires reinforcement, especially after Romelu Lukaku’s departure.

Conclusion

As the transfer deadline looms, the fate of Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen remains uncertain. With Al Ahli's bold attempts to secure their services, Chelsea must navigate the constraints of their budget and wage structure carefully. The outcome of this transfer saga will significantly impact both clubs as they strategize for the season ahead.

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