Osimhen set for shock loan after Chelsea transfer stalls – Paper Round

Victor Osimhen may be on the verge of a shock loan move to Galatasaray as he looks to leave Napoli, the Mirror reports.

The 25-year-old striker is reportedly in discussions over a move to the Turkish Super Lig side after failing to secure a transfer elsewhere during the summer, with Chelsea among the clubs who had been interested in the Nigerian.

The Mirror adds: “Despite being an option for both Chelsea and Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli on transfer deadline day, Osimhen remained at Napoli when the window shut. The Blues were unable to come to an agreement of the forward’s salary, despite the Nigeria international being clear he wanted to leave the south of Italy.

“Chelsea were hopeful of establishing a loan deal that ultimately would see the club with an obligation to make the move permanent at the end of 2024/25. Instead, Osimhen has remained among the Partenopei but has not been involved in Serie A action under Antonio Conte.”

Arsenal want to keep Trossard

Arsenal have turned down a late bid from Al-Ittihad to sign Leandro Trossard on an initial season-long loan, the Guardian reports, with the Gunners making it clear that they have no plans to sell the Belgium forward.

The Saudi Arabian club reportedly offered £4m for the loan with an obligation to make the move permanent for around £25m, but Arsenal swiftly rejected the proposal.

The Guardian adds: “The window in Saudi Arabia’s Pro League and several leagues in Europe closes on Monday, and Al-Ittihad hoped Trossard would join Moussa Diaby – who signed from Aston Villa for €60m – in their squad.

“Trossard started against his former club Brighton on Saturday, having scored the opening goal in Arsenal’s win over Villa as a substitute the previous week. His muted celebration hinted he was not happy at being on the bench, and Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, praised Trossard’s response.

“The former Manchester United defender Chris Smalling is expected to have a medical in Rome on Monday for a proposed move to the Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha. Victor Osimhen, who was left out of Napoli’s Serie A squad after a move to Al-Ahli fell through, and Chelsea’s David Datro Fofana are among the other players who could move to Saudi Arabia.”

West Ham target free agents

West Ham are currently scouring the free agent market in search of a new centre-back, the Standard reports.

Former Liverpool defender Joel Matip is one of the players under consideration, with discussions regarding a potential deal for the 33-year-old expected to continue this week.

The Standard adds: “The Hammers are also looking at 31-year-old John Egan, who left Sheffield United over the summer.

“West Ham let both Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd leave on loan last week, and new boss Julen Lopetegui is keen to further bolster his backline, following the signings this summer of Max Kilman for £40m and Jean-Clair Todibo on loan with an option to sign him for £34.2m next summer.

“Matip left Liverpool at the end of last season after eight years and 201 appearances for the Reds under Jurgen Klopp.”