Arsenal gain edge over Chelsea in Victor Osimhen transfer race

Arsenal could win the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen amid Chelsea’s potential issues with Profit and Sustainability rules.

Chelsea have announced their annual financial results for 2022/23, which revealed a pre-tax loss of £90.1 million, raising concerns about the club’s ability to stay in line with PSR.

The Blues are gearing up for a crucial summer transfer window, and a marquee striker is firmly on their wishlist. Osimhen is ranked as a primary target.

However, their financial statement suggests they are set for a tricky summer, which plays into the hands of Arsenal, who are also keen to land Osimhen’s signature.

Osimhen has a €110m release clause that opens the door for a potential summer departure. 

However, The Athletic journalist David Ornstein suggests Chelsea will struggle to activate the clause, with the striker also likely to command a huge salary package. 

“Chelsea, like many clubs, are tight on PSR and therefore will need to cut their cloth accordingly,” Ornstein said in his recent question and answer session. 

“Today’s financial results showed that, but everything I hear suggests they fully expect to remain compliant and will do what it takes to ensure that. 

“It means that when we hear talk of someone like Osimhen being signed this summer, I think that is very unlikely – owing to the transfer fee and salary.”

Having recorded a £121.4m loss during the previous season, Chelsea’s financial struggles could pave the way for Arsenal to land the highly sought-after Nigerian international.

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The Gunners have also been linked with a move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who is expected to cost around £80-100m, but they appear to have switched their attention to Osimhen.

Arsenal were one of several Premier League clubs that opted against making a foray into the January market, and they are expected to head into the summer transfer window with a war chest.

They could also beat Chelsea to the signing of Athletic Club prodigy Nico Williams, who has a tantalising £43m release clause in his contract.