By Milcah Tanimu

Reports suggest that Chelsea is on the brink of activating the release clause for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, despite apprehensions regarding potential violations of the English Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations, as per Soccernet.ng.

The former LOSC Lille striker, who made a move to Napoli for approximately €75 million, could now command a fee ranging between €120m to €130m due to his impressive performances in Naples.

Italian journalist Rudy Galetti has indicated Osimhen’s interest in joining Stamford Bridge, as reported by Caughtoffside.

Osimhen’s potential addition could bolster Chelsea’s attacking prowess, addressing recent struggles in front of goal despite significant squad investments last summer.

Nevertheless, concerns linger regarding Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules and whether Chelsea must offload players before sealing a deal for Osimhen.

How Can Chelsea Alleviate FFP Concerns?

To navigate these worries, Chelsea must carefully manage their financial standing. The club is expected to disclose their accounts for the 2022/23 season soon, with projections suggesting they may fall short of the Profit and Sustainability threshold by £37m.

While this indicates some level of financial stability, challenges loom ahead, particularly in the 2023/24 season. Consequently, Chelsea’s transfer dealings leading up to the end of the financial year in June might hinge on their ability to generate revenue through player sales.

Conor Gallagher has been frequently linked with a departure from Stamford Bridge, with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur reportedly expressing interest, and a transfer fee of up to £50m being mentioned.

Offloading academy graduates like Gallagher could substantially enhance Chelsea’s finances, given that these players incur no transfer costs, resulting in pure profit for the club.

In addition to Gallagher, Chelsea might need to part ways with two to three more players to facilitate Osimhen’s signing without endangering their financial equilibrium.