Former Chelsea star Emmanuel Petit has advised Chelsea to halt their pursuit of Victor Osimhen and Alexander Isak due to Nicolas Jackson's impressive goal-scoring performance.
The Blues are anticipated to secure a new centre-forward this summer in their quest for a dependable No. 9.
Osimhen, a key figure at Napoli, has frequently been associated with a move to Stamford Bridge and has even contributed to the speculation himself.
Isak, whose recent outstanding performances have earned him a nomination for the PFA Player of the Year, is expected to be a prime target for numerous Premier League clubs.
Newcastle's present financial constraints and the challenge of adhering to spending regulations might necessitate the sale of one of their valuable assets during the upcoming transfer window.
However, Petit remains convinced that Chelsea already have a player capable of scoring 30 goals next season, provided Mauricio Pochettino is willing to continue placing his trust in the Senegal international.
The Senegal international faced criticism after missing several clear-cut chances in the recent FA Cup semi-final defeat against Manchester City.
Emmanuel Petit: Chelsea should trust emerging talent over transfer targets
As the Blues continue their search for a reliable No. 9, Petit shares his insights on the club's current options and the impact of their emerging talent, Jackson.
“Chelsea do not need Osimhen or Isak,” the 53-year-old Grosvenor Sport in an interview.
“We all know about the No.9 curse at Chelsea and in the last couple of months, we’ve seen what Jackson can do.”
He continues, “There’s no need to put more pressure on him by signing someone like Isak on his back. You need competition in every position, but when you have someone like Jackson starting to emerge, don’t put pressure on him and let him explode. For me, if I’m Chelsea, I'm not buying Isak as Jackson is already beginning to flourish.”
A few days ago, Sky Sport Italia journalist and renowned transfer market reporter Gianluca Di Marzio reported that the London-based club have reportedly proposed a deal to Napoli.
The offer includes €90 million along with Romelu Lukaku, currently on loan at Roma, and an undisclosed young player.
Petit played for Chelsea from 2001 to 2004, during which he made 55 appearances and scored two goals for the club.
How does Jackson compare to Osimhen and Isak this season?
In the context of the current season, the performances of Nicolas Jackson, Victor Osimhen and Alexander Isak have drawn significant attention and comparison.
Victor Osimhen, the dynamic forward for Napoli, has showcased his goal-scoring prowess with 17 goals and 3 assists in 30 appearances across all competitions. His contributions have been instrumental in Napoli's campaign.
Meanwhile, Jackson, in his debut season at Chelsea, has made a notable impact, netting 16 goals and providing 5 assists in over 30 appearances.
The 22-year-old's emergence has been a revelation for Chelsea, with his ability to find the back of the net and create opportunities for his teammates proving invaluable.
On the other hand, Alexander Isak has been a standout performer for Newcastle, tallying an impressive 22 goals across all competitions. Isak's goal-scoring exploits have been a key factor in Newcastle's success this season.
When comparing the performances of Jackson, Osimhen and Isak, it's evident that each player brings a unique skill-set and contribution to their respective teams.
While Osimhen boasts consistency in front of goal, Jackson's debut season has been marked by a promising blend of goals and assists. Isak, meanwhile, has been a prolific goal scorer for Newcastle, leading the line with his clinical finishing.
Should Chelsea take heed of Petit's advice and halt their pursuit of Victor Osimhen?
In light of Petit's advice urging Chelsea to reconsider their pursuit of Osimhen, it's worth evaluating whether the Blues should indeed heed his counsel.
Petit's recommendation comes at a time when Chelsea's search for a reliable No. 9 continues, with Osimhen being a long-standing target for the club.
However, with Jackson's emergence and impressive performances in his debut season, the question arises whether Chelsea truly need to pursue Osimhen.
Osimhen's credentials as a goal-scoring forward are well-established, with the Napoli striker notching an impressive 17 goals and 3 assists in 30 appearances across all competitions this season.
His blend of pace, power, and clinical finishing has made him a sought-after target for numerous clubs, including Chelsea.
On the other hand, Jackson's debut season at Chelsea has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite being relatively young and inexperienced at the top level, the Senegal forward has already made a significant impact, tallying 16 goals and 5 assists in over 30 appearances.
Jackson's ability to find the back of the net with consistency lately, coupled with his versatility and potential for further growth, has earned him plaudits from fans and pundits alike including the French man.
While Petit argues for Chelsea to place their faith in Jackson and forego the pursuit of Osimhen, others believe that Osimhen's proven track record and established pedigree make him a valuable addition to the squad.
With Chelsea's ambitions to compete at the highest level and challenge for silverware, the argument for securing Osimhen's services becomes increasingly compelling.
Ultimately, the decision rests in the hands of Chelsea's hierarchy, who must carefully weigh the potential benefits of signing the Super Eagles forward against the development and potential of their emerging talent, Jackson.
As the transfer window approaches, Chelsea's pursuit of Osimhen will undoubtedly be closely monitored by fans and observers alike, with the outcome shaping the club's aspirations for the future.
