Chelsea have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign in-demand striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer transfer window.
The West Londoners were heavily linked with a big-money move to sign the 26-year-old, among other high-profile targets, last summer, but a transfer to Stamford Bridge ultimately failed to materialise.
After seeing a deal to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli fall through, Osimhen was determined to leave Napoli and eventually completed a season-long loan move to Turkish giants Galatasaray.
Osimhen has enjoyed a prolific 2024-25 campaign in front of goal, netting 28 times in 32 appearances across all competitions for a Galatasaray side who sit three points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig and are still in with a chance of winning the Turkish Cup.
The Nigeria international is not expected to continue at Galatasaray next season, though, as it is thought that Napoli will look to sell the striker to one of several top European clubs interested in his services.
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Chelsea cool interest in Man Utd, Juve-linked Osimhen
Despite holding an interest in Osimhen last year, Chelsea have now decided to step back from the race to sign the striker this summer, according to CaughtOffside.
The report adds that Chelsea do not consider Osimhen as one of their main striker targets and their interest has subsequently cooled, despite his impressive goalscoring form in Turkey.
Enzo Maresca's side are now said to be focused on exploring other options to strengthen their frontline, with Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko both placed higher on their wishlist.
Chelsea's decision to distance themselves from the race to sign Osimhen has boosted Manchester United and Juventus' hopes of recruiting the striker this summer.
It is understood that Juventus have identified Osimhen as an ideal replacement for Dusan Vlahovic, who could leave the Serie A giants after the FIFA Club World Cup which concludes in July.
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Man United determined to sign new striker this summer
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are known to be planning a major rebuild under Ruben Amorim ahead of next season, particularly in attack, as both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled to reach the heights expected at Old Trafford.
Osimhen has previously been valued around the £100m mark and while it remains to be seen whether Napoli will still demand a figure as high as this in the summer, Man United may struggle to afford to spend a significant fee on one player considering their financial predicament.
Man United can boost their finances and strengthen their hopes of signing a number of their top targets if they managed to qualify for next season's Champions League by winning the Europa League this term.
An alternative to Osimhen is Ipswich Town's Liam Delap, who has allegedly been earmarked by the Red Devils as their top striker target, while Chelsea are also understood to hold an interest in the 22-year-old.
Oliver Thomas
