Chelsea exploring Victor Osimhen transfer alternatives as PSG target Kylian Mbappe replacement

Chelsea are sounding out alternatives to Victor Osimhen, with the striker now firmly in Paris Saint-Germain's sights to replace Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe, 25, stunned PSG on Thursday night by signalling his intent to leave the club on a free transfer in the summer.

Real Madrid have lined up a move for the forward, who is widely regarded as being among the best players in the world.

PSG attempted to keep Mbappe but will reinvest the money saved by letting him go into improving the squad.

They will save around €200million a season by not re-signing Mbappe, the highest-paid player in European football.

PSG will now target Osimhen, who agreed a new contract with Napoli in December.

However, that deal includes a £113m release clause. Osimhen and Napoli both expect the release clause to be activated in the summer, with Chelsea among the clubs interested.

Both PSG and Madrid had contingency plans to sign the Nigerian international, depending on Mbappe's fate.

Sporting director Luis Campos is driving PSG's interest. They are expected to be challengers to Chelsea, with the ability to offer larger wages to Osimhen, who will command at least £250,000 a week.

Chelsea are also interested in Brentford's Ivan Toney and Brighton's Evan Ferguson but will continue to sound out further options before the summer.

The Blues will need to sell some players to balance the books if they are to realise ambitious plans to add a new centre-back and a left-back as well as a top striker.