Chelsea Join Race for Victor Osimhen as Galatasaray Demand €150 Million

Premier League giants Chelsea have reportedly entered the race to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Turkish champions Galatasaray, with the club said to be demanding a massive €150 million for the Super Eagles star. The latest transfer development has intensified speculation surrounding Osimhen’s future ahead of the summer transfer window, as several top European clubs continue monitoring the prolific forward.

According to reports from Turkish media outlet Sabah, Chelsea have already initiated contact regarding a possible move for the Nigerian international and are expected to make formal attempts to sign him in the coming weeks.

Galatasaray, however, are reportedly unwilling to negotiate below their €150 million valuation for the striker, whom they signed from Napoli for €75 million last summer.

Transfer rumours surrounding Osimhen gained fresh momentum after Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle explained why the 27-year-old was excluded from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

Speaking on the situation, Chelle suggested that ongoing transfer discussions influenced the decision to leave the striker out of the squad. According to the coach, it would not be ideal for a player whose future remains uncertain to participate in matches without full concentration.

The comments immediately sparked widespread speculation across football circles, with many interpreting the statement as confirmation that Osimhen could be close to securing a major transfer move this summer.

However, Osimhen quickly moved to calm the rumours and insisted that the coach’s remarks had been misunderstood and taken out of context.

In a statement shared on Instagram, the Nigerian striker explained that he had personally spoken with Chelle regarding the interview and clarified that the coach never intended to create controversy over his club future.

Osimhen also stressed that Chelle has great respect for Galatasaray and regularly follows the club’s matches, urging fans and the media to ignore exaggerated speculation surrounding the situation.

Despite the clarification, transfer discussions around the Nigerian forward continue to dominate headlines, especially with Chelsea reportedly eager to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.

Osimhen remains one of the most sought-after strikers in world football following his impressive performances in recent years for both club and country.

Known for his pace, strength, aerial ability, and clinical finishing, the Super Eagles star has consistently attracted interest from several elite European clubs.

Chelsea’s reported interest signals the club’s determination to add proven firepower to their squad as they continue rebuilding under their current project. If completed, the move could become one of the biggest transfers involving an African footballer and one of the most expensive deals in Chelsea’s history.

For now, Galatasaray appear determined to hold firm on their valuation while Osimhen’s future remains one of the biggest talking points ahead of the summer transfer window.