Napoli president signals transfer setback for Chelsea

Chelsea faces a looming setback in their pursuit of a top transfer target as Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis confirms an impending contract extension for the player, potentially dashing the Blues’ hopes of securing Victor Osimhen.

De Laurentiis asserted, “With Osimhen, we are about to sign the contract that was pending this summer,” indicating a significant development in the player’s future that could steer him away from Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea’s manager, recently engaged in discussions with midfielder Moises Caicedo over concerns about the Ecuadorian international’s performances. The meeting reflects Pochettino’s proactive approach in addressing the struggles of key squad members.

The environment at Chelsea has been undergoing a transformation, marked by managerial changes and substantial investments in new signings. However, despite efforts to revamp the team, the club faces a period of rebuilding that might require considerable time before reestablishing itself as a serious contender for the Premier League title.

Players like Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Nicolas Jackson find themselves integrated into a team experiencing fluctuating performances. The expectation of immediate and consistent impact from these talents is deemed optimistic, given the evolving dynamics within the squad rather than any shortcomings on the players’ part.

Pochettino acknowledged meeting Caicedo ahead of a match against Brighton & Hove Albion, expressing his belief that the midfielder, valued at £115 million, is undergoing an adjustment process.