Chelsea turn to Viktor Gyokeres as Victor Osimhen set to sign fresh Napoli deal - Paper Round

The Mirror claims that Napoli striker Victor Osimhen could soon agree to a release clause worth £112 million.

That would give Arsenal and Chelsea a tough challenge to sign the forward.

“Napoli are close to tying down striker Victor Osimhen on a 12-month contract extension to fend off Premier League interest,” the paper explains.

“Arsenal and Chelsea have watched the Nigeria striker, 24, who has scored seven Serie A goals this season. He scored a league-leading 26 last term as Napoli ended their long wait for a first league title since the days of Diego Maradona.

“Osimhen’s contract expires in 2025 and talks over a new deal - to include a €130m (£112m) buyout clause - have dragged on for months.”

One striker that might be easier for Chelsea to land is Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres.

The Evening Standard believes he could be part of a deal for team-mate Ousmane Diomande.

The paper states: “Chelsea have made contact with Sporting over a deal for defender Ousmane Diomande, as they explore centre-back reinforcements in January.

“The 20-year-old Ivorian has been identified by Chelsea as one of their primary transfer targets, with striker options also being discussed internally.

“Sporting have knocked back an initial enquiry from The Blues for Diomande, insisting they will only sell him for his full £69 million (€80m) release clause.

“Chelsea have also enquired over a deal for Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres.

“Sporting are again reluctant to sell their star forward and have demanded interested clubs pay his full £87 million (€100m) release clause.”

The Daily Mail reports that Manchester United are expecting to sell a couple of players but there are no expectations of making any signings.

Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek are two players who failed to hold down a place this season and could now leave.

The paper writes: “Erik ten Hag insists he is happy with his Manchester United squad going into the January transfer window, and is banking on injured players returning to strengthen his squad.

“United are expecting a quiet window with the club's focus on moving out fringe players like Jadon Sancho and Donny van de Beek.

“However, a number of key players will be back in action including Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount, Harry Maguire and Tyrell Malacia.

“Asked about the possibility of new signings, Ten Hag said: 'I am happy with the current squad. As we get our players back, we have a good squad.’”

Former Manchester United defender Eric Bailly could be on the move again, with The Sun suggesting a transfer to his old club Villarreal is on the cards.

The defender is frozen out at Besiktas and the paper says he is open to leaving.

The outlet writes: “Eric Bailly has been handed an escape route out of Besiktas after being banished by the club.

“The former Manchester United defender is out in the cold at Turkey after being removed from the first-team squad.

“He was one of five players to be axed earlier this month following a 3-1 defeat to rivals Fenerbahce.

“Bailly is now understood to be prepared to leave Besiktas, despite only signing on a free transfer from United in September.”

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