Chelsea transfer news: Man United, Blues joined by new club in Victor Osimhen race?

The Nigeria international was heavily linked with a move away from Stadio Diego Armando Maradona throughout the summer with Chelsea known to be among his suitors.

However, after the likes of the Premier League giants and Al-Ahli missed out on acquiring his services, Osimhen made the season-long loan switch to Galatasaray.

Osimhen has since contributed eight goals from his 10 appearances in all competitions, as well as insisting that he plans to see out 2024-25 with the Turkish giants.

Nevertheless, it appears that the 25-year-old may soon have a different option when it comes to deciding on the next phase of his career.

New club to join Osimhen race?

As per Fabrizio Romano, who was speaking on The Daily Briefing, Juventus have already made contact with their Napoli counterparts to express their interest.

The report suggests that Juventus are yet to decide how to handle the future of Dusan Vlahovic, who has often been linked with a move away from the Turin-based outfit.

Vlahovic has contributed nine goals from 16 starts in Serie A and the Champions League this campaign, Thiago Motta relying heavily on the Serbia international.

From a negative standpoint, though, there are just over 18 months remaining on the 24-year-old's contract, leaving Juventus conscious that they may soon need to entertain offers for a player who cost them €70m in 2022.

Juventus would need to generate as high a fee as possible to pursue Osimhen, a consequence of him likely costing at least £60m.

Romano adds that Juventus also hold a level of interest in Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee, something that may prove to be a blessing in disguise for the Red Devils as they bid to find a frontman more suited to the preferences of new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Would rivalry impact negotiations?

Napoli are rivals of Juventus, both on and off the pitch, and it is plausible to expect any negotiations that take place to be drawn out.

On the flip side, neither team are necessarily in the strongest position to strengthen other areas of the pitch without facilitating sales.

Depending how Juventus move forward with Vlahovic, it may make sense for Napoli to entertain bids from a club who will value Vlahovic in the same bracket as they do Osimhen.