CHELSEA’S bid to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been hampered by his extraordinary demands of £500,000-a-week.

SunSport understands the Nigeria international is asking for a salary that would make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League.

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Chelsea have been in talks with Napoli and Osimhen’s representatives for much of the summer, but have yet to reach an agreement.

The Blues have tried to loan Osimhen out because they are unwilling to pay his £110million buyout fee.

That loan proposal was rejected by Napoli, who have since agreed a separate £38million deal to sign Romelu Lukaku.

The 25-year-old Osimhen is expected to leave the Italian club after handing in a formal transfer request, with Paris Saint Germain also interested.

Chelsea are doing everything they can to reduce wage costs.

That’s one of the reasons why people like Raheem Sterling have been banned.

And the Blues will not come close to meeting Osimhen’s demands.

Chelsea are also looking at other strikers, with Juventus’ Federico Chiesa and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin seen as cheaper options.

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Samu Omorodion, who Chelsea were close to signing from Atletico Madrid earlier this month, has joined Porto.

Chelsea have already signed five attackers from a total of 11 new signings this summer, but new manager Enzo Maresca is desperate to sign another striker.

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Nicolas Jackson and newcomer Marc Guiu are the only specialists with a number nine in his team.

Although Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer are capable of playing advanced roles.

Maresca also wants Chelsea to sign another centre-back before the transfer window closes on Friday.

But the club’s priority during this tense week will be to sell the majority of the 20 players the Italian has cut from his squad.

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