Chelsea handed fresh blow in pursuit of Napoli superstar

Chelsea delivered new setback in Victor Osimhen pursuit

Chelsea have been crying out for a world-class centre-forward in recent months and despite significant spending, the team was unable to bring in a recognised striker during the January transfer window.

The acquisition of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was a dud since the Gabonese forward only scored once in 12 Premier League outings. He has fallen out of favour under manager Graham Potter and is hardly getting any meaningful gametime.

Only 23 league goals have been scored by the Blues this season, which is fewer than half of Arsenal’s total. A high-profile summer transfer move for Napoli phenom (h/t Mirror.UK) Victor Osimhen could offer a remedy for that issue.

The Nigerian striker, who has scored 19 goals in Serie A this season, has been linked to the Blues, although there is fierce competition.

Apparently, Erik ten Hag, the manager of Manchester United, has asked for the summer transfer of a star striker, and Osimhen is one candidate.

Harry Kane of Tottenham and Goncalo Ramos of Benfica are among the other candidates the Red Devils are considering. This would be a big blow for us considering competition from Manchester United could drive up Osimhen’s demand and as a result, his price tag.

Nevertheless, given that the Blues have only scored once in their past six games, they should be in the market to look for solutions, and Osimhen would be one of them. Despite investing in quality forwards like Joao Felix and Mykhaylo Mudryk, finding a striker should be a major goal – at least that’s what us fans would want.

Meanwhile David Datro Fofana, a young player, still has a ways to go before hitting his stride at the club. Kai Havertz, who has been playing in the false nine positions, has not been performing well to add to our troubles.

But it will also depend on whether Osimhen wants to play in the Champions League, which could affect his mood given that Manchester United are currently third and our chances of making the Champions League for the upcoming season are quite minimal.

Nonetheless, given our spending under Todd Boehly in the past two transfer windows, it wouldn’t be totally wrong to say that we are more than capable of providing him with good financial incentives. Yet, if we don’t get him, there are plenty of other alternatives on the market.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea confirm loaning out of Andrey Santos back to Vasco da Gama
• Zinedine Zidane and Luis Enrique emerge as favourites to succeed Graham Potter at Chelsea
• Napoli ready to splash the cash to keep Chelsea target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

And the summer transfer market is still a long way off. We must take this time to zero in on a target and not hastily go after the first player available. Osimhen, on paper, looks like a very smart option but we must first assess if he suits our style and if the likes of Armando Broja can act as alternatives in the short and long run.