Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku has apparently emerged as a surprise target for Turkish outfit Galatasaray, who are planning for life without Victor Osimhen.
Napoli-owned striker Osimhen was memorably at the centre of an incredible deadline-day saga last summer, when a proposed move to Saudi Arabia or Chelsea fell through.
The Nigerian was subsequently facing a few months on the Napoli sidelines, having been frozen out by Antonio Conte, but he was offered a late escape route by Galatasaray.
Osimhen continued to make nets bulge for fun in Turkey, coming up with 37 strikes and eight assists from 41 appearances across all competitions as his side won the Super Lig title.
The 26-year-old's loan deal will officially come to an end later this month, but Galatasaray have apparently not given up hope of keeping him at the club permanently.
Galatasaray 'identify Nkunku' as Osimhen replacement
Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen celebrates on September 21, 2024© Imago
Nevertheless, Fanatik claims that the Turkish giants are making contingency plans in case Osimhen does head back to Napoli, and Chelsea's Nkunku is firmly on their radar.
The France international has only been a bit-part player for the Blues since joining in the summer of 2023, starting just nine Premier League matches in the 2024-25 campaign.
Nkunku did play a key role in Chelsea's run to Conference League glory with five goals and three assists from nine appearances in the competition, but he has managed just six goals in 38 Premier League outings.
As a result, his exit from Stamford Bridge is seen as inevitable, and the report adds that Galatasaray are soon expected to make an official bid for the 27-year-old, whom they have identified as an ideal fit for their fast-paced style of play.
Nkunku's Chelsea contract runs for another four years, as he signed a six-season agreement when he joined, but the West London club are not expected to stand in his way of a departure if the right offer comes in.
The attacker has amassed a total of 17 goals and five assists in 56 appearances for the Conference League champions, who forked out £50.6m to sign him from German giants RB Leipzig.
A move back to the Bundesliga has also been mooted for Nkunku, while a surprise Premier League team is understood to have made an enquiry for the 27-year-old also.
Where will Osimhen go next?
Victor Osimhen in action for Napoli in May 2024© Imago
Osimhen's next career move remains clouded in as much uncertainty as Nkunku's, as if Conte stays at Napoli for the 2025-26 season, it is difficult to see the Nigerian resuming his career in Serie A.
Chelsea and Manchester United are still believed to possess an interest in the former Lille man, although the Blues are set to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town in a £30m deal and recently cleared another significant hurdle in negotiations.
Instead, Osimhen is believed to be in advanced talks to join a Saudi Pro League giant, who would also be able to trump Man United financially.
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