Victor Osimhen to Chelsea transfer twist as Napoli timeline and Al-Hilal 'assurance' revealed

Victor Osimhen has been encouraged to join Al Hilal. The Napoli striker was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea last summer, but a deal collapsed at the eleventh hour.

football.london understands that the Blues submitted a bid for Osimhen in the final days of the transfer window. It's believed that the west Londoners wanted to sign the Nigeria international on a season-long loan, which included an obligation-to-buy clause.

Despite Chelsea's best efforts, they couldn't reach an agreement with the Italian giants before the deadline. So, having already been banished from the first team by Antonio Conte, Osimhen snubbed an 'extortionate' offer from the Saudi Pro League and joined Galatasaray on loan.

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The 26-year-old, who's recently entered the final year of his contract in Naples, featured 30 times in the Süper Lig this season, scoring 26 goals and providing five assists. Playing an important role in Okan Buruk's squad, Osimhen fired the club to a third successive title.

He also helped Galatasaray clinch the domestic double, netting a brace against Trabzonspor in the Turkish Cup final. Rather than return to Istanbul or head to west London, Osimhen has been urged to jet off to the Middle East.

Speaking to News Central TV, as quoted by Complete Sports, Odion Ighalo claimed that his fellow countryman should consider joining Al Hilal. The former Manchester United striker said: "He knows what he wants.

"He is a grown-up guy now and has worked hard to be where he is now. I think he has done well. Whatever decision he makes now, it is a win for him. If he asks me, of course, I will say go."

Assuring Osimhen that he'll always have an offer from Saudi on the table, Ighalo added: "Whatever decision [he makes], it is a win for him. If he goes now or after two years, it is still the same.

"It doesn't matter because last year they came and he didn't go. They came back this year, and they will still come again."

Ighalo added: "If you want to mention two strikers and you don't say his name, that is impossible. He is doing so well. In Africa, we underrate our own African players and potential. If you want to search the world now for a proper goalscorer, tell me two or three.

"It is not easy. Agents are calling every day with the media. I think Victor is mentally strong because he has gone through challenges in his life, even at his age, and he has overcome them."

In May, the Galatasaray manager provided an update on Osimhen's future, quashing rumours about a possible switch to Saudi Arabia. Speaking to 'I Just Spoke', as quoted by Turkish outlet NTV Sport, Buruk said: "Osimhen will look at the conditions.

"He's very happy here at Galatasaray. He's living the best days of his life. The player will decide about his future, as he's made an incredible contribution here. We need to respect him but we are hopeful that he will stay with us."

Buruk added: "He's a professional player. There are talks about it but Osimhen will make the choice. He will look at the conditions. The part about Osimhen agreeing with the [Saudi] Arabian side is not true."