Chelsea transfer news: Ivan Toney expected to move to Al Ahli as Napoli raise demands for Victor Osimhen
Al Ahli have reached an agreement to sign Ivan Toney, but there are still details to sort out in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen.
Toney seems to be on track for the £40 million transfer as he was recorded by Sky Sports News arriving for his medical in London on Deadline Day. However, Napoli is now requesting additional funds from the Saudi club for Osimhen.
The transfer deal for Napoli was finalized for about £67m last night, but Al Ahli is reportedly upset because the terms of the agreement have been altered. They are sticking to their initial offer and are not willing to budge.
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Chelsea are making efforts to secure the signing of Osimhen and negotiations are ongoing with representatives in Naples.
It's a tough situation to work out because Chelsea has strict rules about wages and Osimhen has high expectations. It's believed that discussing terms between the clubs will be simpler than agreeing on personal terms.
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Al Ahli reportedly signed a four-year deal with the 25-year-old for approximately £33.6m (€40m) per season, which equals around £646,154 per week tax-free. The agreement also features a release clause.
The Nigerian player has not agreed to join Al Ahli yet, and it is believed that Chelsea still have hope of signing him, as he has been a target for them for a long time.
Napoli would prefer a long-term agreement, or at least a temporary one with a commitment to purchase in the future.
The Serie A team has already signed a possible replacement for Osimhen in Romelu Lukaku, who recently came from Chelsea.
Before accepting the transfer to Saudi Arabia, Osimhen's representative Roberto Calenda made it clear that he feels there are still many opportunities for him in Europe. This statement seemed to indicate that Chelsea still had a chance to make a good offer for the player.
However, the west London team has not met Osimhen's expectations. Chelsea needs him to adhere to their updated salary guidelines.
Chelsea's quest for a reliable goal-scorer took another hit when Al Ahli also reached an agreement to sign Toney as their new number 9.
The soccer player from England only has a year remaining on his contract with the team called the Bees.
Toney did not play in the first two Premier League matches for Brentford against Crystal Palace and Liverpool. He was also not included in the team for the Carabao Cup second-round victory over Colchester United on Wednesday.
Are Al Ahli's Deals For Toney And Osimhen In Doubt?
However, there is uncertainty surrounding the possibility of Al Ahli signing Osimhen and Toney, as senior sources in Saudi Arabia have expressed skepticism about the double deal.
Al Ahli only have one spot open for a foreign player, unless they are under the age of 21. Saudi Pro League teams can have up to 10 foreign players in their squads of 25 players.
Sky Sports News has also learned that Al Ahli is not looking to sign two more strikers as they do not have enough money to cover both players' salaries.
In order to add both players to the team, Al Ahli must make room by selling a foreign player before the SPL deadline hits on Monday night at midnight.
Chelsea Needs A Striker According To Carra
If Chelsea don't manage to secure Osimhen and Toney, Maresca's team might shift their focus to different players before the summer transfer window closes at 11pm on Friday.
According to Sky Sports News, Chelsea is content with their current squad.
Any additional bonuses would be approved only if they align with the company's strict payment system, which includes a reasonable base salary and significant rewards for achieving success on the job.
Aston Villa's attacker Jhon Duran and Everton's forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin are also being considered for the striker position this summer.
Jamie Carragher thinks that Chelsea should sign a striker before the transfer window closes.
During an interview with Sky Sports News, he stated that it is clear Chelsea is in need of a striker, as they have previously discussed.
"We have observed Nicolas Jackson join the club with unsuccessful results. Romelu Lukaku has once again joined forces with (Antonio) Conte at Napoli."
