The timing of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in January and February, may significantly impact Chelsea’s pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, despite the club’s renewed interest in signing him this summer.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards ahead of the summer transfer window. Following a frustrating spell under Napoli manager Antonio Conte, where he struggled for regular minutes, the 26-year-old secured a loan move to the Turkish champions—a switch made possible by the country’s extended transfer deadline.
Since arriving in Turkey, the Super Eagles striker has been in scintillating form, netting 29 goals in 33 appearances, reigniting interest from top European clubs, including Chelsea. The Blues, who came close to signing him last summer before negotiations collapsed, are now back in the race and reportedly considering a bid in the region of £63 million.
However, while Chelsea remains eager to add firepower to their attack, the looming AFCON tournament presents a potential stumbling block. Should Osimhen complete a move to Stamford Bridge, he would be unavailable for up to ten games in the second half of the 2025/26 season due to national team commitments. This absence could coincide with a critical phase in both the Premier League and European competitions, raising concerns among Chelsea’s management over squad balance and depth.
Sources close to the player suggest that Osimhen is keen to avoid a repeat of last summer’s drawn-out transfer saga and prefers to have his future sorted early in the window. Yet, with AFCON commitments on the horizon, Chelsea’s recruitment team must weigh the benefits of signing a proven goal scorer against the risk of mid-season disruption.
As the summer window approaches, the Blues’ interest remains strong, but the final decision may hinge not only on finances but also on timing, squad planning, and the club’s long-term ambitions.
