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In a dramatic turn of events, Chelsea and Arsenal have reportedly backed out of the race to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian had been a long-term target for Chelsea beore Paris Saint-Germain came into the picture. But the Blues couldn’t progress further, as they were unwilling to pay his release clause, which gave Arsenal the opportunity to enter the race.
The Blues were linked with the Nigerian forward to compete with Nicolas Jackson in the front role in a deal that would have seen Romelu Lukaku join Napoli on a permanent deal. But the Blues seemed to take their foot off the gas in the chase after they saw Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion as a replacement, whom they eventually signed.
While the Gunners wanted to hijack the deal, they reportedly followed their London counterparts in pulling out of the race. Italian journalist Ciro Troise said via CalcioNapoli24:
“Osimhen? Nothing has changed. He reappears every now and then, but the situation is always the same: PSG doesn’t go beyond €70m and hasn’t sold Kolo Muani yet. While Chelsea and Arsenal have withdrawn.”
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Osimhen doesn’t want a loan move with a buy option. So his future with Napoli at the moment hangs in the balance.
Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Ashley Cole set for a major England role
As per talkSPORT, former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole is set to assume a significant role in the England national team should Lee Carsley be named the interim manager.
The England FA is considering a new manager for the Three Lions after Gareth Southgate stepped down following the 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final last month. As per reports, Carsley is the most likely to take on the managerial mantle.
Lee Carsley is currently the manager of the England Under-21 team, with Ashey Cole his assistant. The former Everton and Derby County man led them to win the European Championship in 2023, their first win in 39 years.
Cole could be called to join Carsley in management should the 50-year-old get appointed as England interim manager, as he's held in high regard by senior officials at the FA.
Cole moved from Arsenal to Chelsea in 2006 for a reported fee of €7.4 million. He won the UEFA Champions League with the Blues in 2012.
