At present, Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen stands out as the most coveted forward in football.
Over the past months, the 25-year-old has attracted interest from numerous top-tier European clubs, notably PSG and Arsenal.
However, speculation strongly suggests Osimhen may favour a move to Chelsea due to his profound admiration for Blues legend Didier Drogba, whom he regards as an idol.
Enter Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Reports indicate that the French giants were prepared to activate Osimhen's buyout clause at Napoli, potentially seeing him as a replacement for the departing Kylian Mbappe.
Reportedly, Manchester United are also expressing interest in the Nigerian forward.
With PSG joining the list of potential suitors for Osimhen, the likelihood of the Napoli player joining the London outfit diminished, as Chelsea were deemed not to have the financial capacity to meet his demands.
However, journalist Ben Jacobs has revealed that the Blues can afford to sign Osimhen, while also asserting that the star striker would prefer a move to the Premier League.
Transfer expert on proposed Osimhen to Chelsea move
In light of recent developments, the pivotal question arises: Can Chelsea afford Victor Osimhen?
According to insights from journalist Jacobs, the answer seems affirmative, at least on paper.
However, Jacobs suggests that in practice, securing Osimhen's services might come at the expense of reinforcing other key positions within the squad.
As Jacobs puts it, “Napoli are going to insist Osimhen’s £100m+ release clause is paid, and the Nigerian striker wants around £250k per week.”
Jacobs points out that these financial considerations could potentially give PSG an advantage, particularly with the substantial funds liberated by Mbappe's impending departure, amounting to approximately €200m gross.
Nevertheless, Jacobs emphasised that Osimhen's preference is believed to be a move to the Premier League.
Therefore, the prospect of a transfer to Chelsea, Arsenal, or even Manchester United—particularly if Erik ten Hag's side secure Champions League qualification—remains plausible.
However, as Jacobs notes, “Chelsea will want significant and quick outgoings and perhaps to put off strengthening other positions if they do put down an offer for the Nigerian.”
This underscores that if Chelsea were to pursue Osimhen, significant and swift outgoings would be necessary, possibly necessitating a delay in strengthening other positions within the team.
How would Osimhen fit at Chelsea?
Suggesting that Chelsea's issues stem solely from the lack of a clinical striker may be too simplistic. However, signing the Nigerian hitman wouldn't hurt the Chelsea hierarchy.
Chelsea's striking department faces a significant crisis, with Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, and Armando Broja struggling to find the back of the net consistently.
The Blues have relied on the ingenuity of Cole Palmer and, to a lesser extent, Raheem Sterling, to score goals.
Given Chelsea's penchant for aerial deliveries, Manager Mauricio Pochettino favors strikers who can hold up the ball, link up play, and finish crosses.
In this regard, Osimhen surpasses Chelsea's current attacking options of Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, and Armando Broja, showcasing superior aerial ability and movement in the box.
However, Osimhen's prowess extends beyond aerial prowess; he possesses adept ball control, can create chances for teammates, and finishes opportunities with aplomb.
Last season, in 32 appearances for Napoli, he scored 26 goals and provided five assists as the Naples club clinched their first Scudetto in over three decades, reminiscent of the days of Diego Maradona.
This campaign, he has notched 13 goals across all competitions and provided three assists.
Osimhen's unyielding self-belief will be crucial if he is to overcome Chelsea's striker curse, as many have struggled while wearing the number nine jersey at Stamford Bridge.
The likes of Andriy Shevchenko, Fernando Torres, or Alvaro Morata serve as reminders of this daunting challenge.
