Victor Osimhen responds to fan asking him to join Chelsea

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen fuelled speculation of a future transfer to Chelsea with a cryptic response to a fan urging him to move to Stamford Bridge.

Osimhen celebrated his 25th birthday on December 29 and received plenty of well-wishes from fans, as well as from both Napoli and former employers Lille, but one supporter's post came with a clear plea for the Nigeria international to join Chelsea.

"Happy birthday Victor Osimhen, please come and rescue Chelsea soon," the post, accompanied by an image of a young Osimhen wearing a Chelsea kit, read.

In response, the Napoli striker posted just three emojis - two hearts and the 'folded hands' emoji which is often used to represent praying.

Chelsea are long-time admirers of Osimhen and had been prepared to test Napoli's resolve over the striker with a January bid before he put pen to paper on a new three-year contract.

Importantly, Osimhen's new contract includes a release clause which 90min understands sits at a base figure of €120m (£104m), but with conditions which could see that sum raise by the time it can be triggered.

Chelsea remain interested in Osimhen but may have to be patient if they are to land the Nigeria international's signature. The Blues have continued to struggle in front of goal this season and had hoped to secure a prolific forward in January to aid their quest to climb back up the Premier League table.

Brentford's Ivan Toney and Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez are expensive alternative targets for Chelsea, whose firepower was recently bolstered by the return of £52m summer signing Christopher Nkunku from injury.

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