Victor Osimhen could yet join Chelsea despite closing in on a loan move to Galatasaray - possibly even joining the Blues as soon as January.
Chelsea explored a move for Napoli striker Osimhen for much of the summer, but were unable to reach an agreement with the Italian club before the deadline passed. After reportedly turning down a switch to the Saudi Pro League, the Nigeria international has flown to Turkey, where the transfer window was open a little longer.
While the deal has yet to be officially confirmed at the time of writing, the Turkish transfer window remains open until September 13. Osimhen is expected to complete a straight loan with no option to buy, in a coup for last season's Turkish champions.
Chelsea responded to missing out on Osimhen and fellow target Ivan Toney by handing a bumper new contract to striker Nicolas Jackson. The Senegal striker will lead the line between now and the new year, but details of Osimhen's loan appear to open the door for Enzo Maresca's team.
According to Sky Sport Italia (via Football Italia), Napoli's delay in allowing Osimhen to leave came due to negotiations over a new deal for the striker. The new compromise is said to include an extension until 2027 on the same wages, but with a lower release clause of £67.4m if the Partenopei can't make a sale by June 2025.
Napoli were after the extension to ensure they wouldn't be welcoming Osimhen back with just a year left on his deal, thus reducing their barganing power. Player and club now appear to have reached a compromise, with Osimhen also getting his wish of a break clause.
That clause means he can cut short his loan in January if one of 10 unnamed clubs come in, and while it is unclear whether Chelsea are among that number, they may see this as a chance to see how fit and firing he is between now and the turn of the year. If the striker completes a permanent move in January then Galatasaray - whose fans have given their new arrival a warm welcome in Istanbul - would also receive what has been described as a "small" fee.
In the absence of a new number nine, Chelsea frontman Jackson has scored twice in the first three Premier League games of the season. He put the Blues in front in their most recent game, at home to Crystal Palace, but failed to convert a late chance to give his team victory after an Ebere Eze equaliser.
"I'm very happy," Maresca said of Jackson after the draw. "Nicolas is doing a fantastic job with us, on and off the ball. He scored already two goals [this season]. He scored again today. He had another two chances but we are happy with him.
"I have faith, and the club also, even before. Not because we are looking for another striker; not that we don't trust Nicolas. We trust Nicolas I said last week when the transfer window was still open - he is doing fantastic with us. I am very happy with him."