“Al-Ahli was not close to signing Osimhen,” Aba-born Saudi chief Emenalo spills

• Saudi sporting director Michael Emenalo clarifies that Al-Ahli was never close to signing Victor Osimhen
• Emenalo believes that Osimhen's future is still wide open, with Chelsea eyeing the star again in the next transfer window
• Osimhen is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli and has scored two goals and registered two assists in three appearances

Former Chelsea sporting director and Saudi League sporting chief Michael Emenalo recently shed light on the failed transfer attempts for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray. 

In a podcast discussion with John Obi-Mikel, Emenalo, now a Saudi Pro League executive, addressed the rumoured links between Chelsea, Al-Ahli, and Osimhen. The chase, he noted, never quite reached the final stages despite the club's interest, 

“I thought my former club would get him because you know he’s a terrific player,” Emenalo acknowledged.

In the last summer transfer window, Osimhen became one of the most sought-after forwards, with Chelsea reportedly leading the clubs interested in his services. Despite this, the 24-year-old striker eventually moved on loan to Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, leaving Chelsea’s striker issues unresolved. 

According to Emenalo, the London club had every intention of signing Osimhen, but negotiations kept stalling with Osimhen reportedly uncomfortable with the salary offer.

Osimhen’s move to Galatasaray hasn’t slowed him down, as he has already contributed two goals and two assists in just three games this season. His temporary move to Turkey has left clubs like Chelsea re-evaluating their next steps, particularly as Arsenal has reportedly dropped out of the race for the Nigerian’s signature. 

Emenalo also stated that Al-Ahli was not as close to signing Osimhen as everyone thought because the deal paper works never reached his desk,

“I think maybe in some clubs’ minds and planning, they thought they were close. What being close means is different for me than for the clubs. Because for me, it’s close when the paperwork comes through my desk, and you know requires my valuation and signature. Until that happens, then it is not close.” Emenalo explained that the deal was far from completion.

Chelsea is reportedly likely to revisit the Osimhen situation in the January transfer window. With Arsenal’s withdrawal, Stamford Bridge could have a free run at the prolific striker. 

Osimhen’s talent remains unquestionable, and after his strong performances in Turkey, it’s no surprise that top European clubs are keeping tabs on him.

Although Chelsea missed out on Osimhen in the summer, the player’s need for a permanent move away from Napoli keeps the possibility alive for future transfer windows. For now, Osimhen continues to impress, keeping fans and clubs eager to see where his future will lead.

Mikel Obi discloses plan to lure Osimhen to Stamford Bridge

Previously, TheRadar reported that as the summer transfer window drew to a close, speculation surrounding Victor Osimhen's future continued to intensify. 

The Napoli striker, who has requested to leave the club, is heavily linked with a potential transfer to Chelsea. The deal could involve Romelu Lukaku moving in the opposite direction. In a concerted effort to bring the Nigerian star to Stamford Bridge, former Chelsea legends Didier Drogba and John Obi Mikel have personally reached out to Osimhen.