Chelsea may 'step up' interest in Victor Osimhen after Napoli fallout as Mauricio Pochettino demand revealed

Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Victor Osimhen's situation at Napoli after the striker's agent threatened the possibility of legal action against the Italian side.

Napoli's TikTok account posted a video which mocked the Nigeria international after he missed a penalty during the side's 0-0 draw against Bologna on Sunday.

Osimhen subsequently removed all photos of himself in a Napoli shirt from his Instagram profile, and his agent Roberto Calenda stated that the player 'reserve(s) the right to take legal action' against the club.

He said on X (Twitter): "What happened today on Napoli's official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable. A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted.

"A serious fact that causes very serious damage to the player and adds to the treatment that the boy is suffering in the last period between media trials and fake news."

Now, according to a new report, Chelsea are ready to reignite their interest in the striker ahead of a potential January move.

Reports claimed they were keen on bringing the Nigeria international to Stamford Bridge this summer, and were willing to pay £120 million to sign him.

But Napoli's success in Serie A, leading to the club being able to issue a huge asking price for the player, meant the Blues were priced out a move.

Now, talkSPORT claim that Chelsea are monitoring the situation between Osimhen and Napoli, and could use it to launch a new bid.

The report claims that manager Mauricio Pochettino has demanded the club sign a striker in January, with Brentford star Ivan Toney another option. Toney's ban for gambling offences expires on January 17.

Osimhen fired Napoli to their first Serie A title in over three decades last season, scoring 26 goals in 32 games to win the league's Golden Boot.

He started this campaign with three goals in four games prior to the Bologna draw - but it remains to be seen as to whether he will add to his tally in a Napoli shirt.

Topics: Victor Osimhen, Napoli, Mauricio Pochettino, Premier League, Transfers

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.