Chelsea emerge as frontrunners to sign Osimhen amid strong PSG interest
Chelsea could win the race for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen ahead of Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Nigerian international is on the market this summer as Napoli look to cash in on him.
Chelsea and PSG have put themselves ahead of the queue, but the Blues might land him ahead of their French counterparts for two reasons.
First, Osimhen, who has 14 goals in 22 Serie A appearances this term, reportedly prefers a move to the Premier League.
Last season’s Capocannoniere winner has spoken about his admiration for the English top flight and will be keen on fulfilling his dreams of playing in the ‘best league in the world.’
Earlier this year, when asked if he wants to play in the Premier League in the future, the Nigerian said, “Of course, one day,” via Sky Sports.
Also, legendary Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been trying to convince Osimhen to move to West London.
The former Ivory Coast international has been mentoring the Napoli centre-forward and is working to convince him about a move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are trying to pip PSG to Osimhen’s signature and have reportedly offered €80 million plus Romelu Lukakaku to entice the Partenopei. They will also add some young talents to sweeten the deal for the Serie A club.
However, we cannot underrate the financial muscle of a PSG side desperate for a new talisman with Kylian Mbappe leaving this summer.
Despite PSG’s financial clout, Chelsea’s offer seems more attractive to Napoli.
The combination of a substantial transfer fee, a player like Lukaku who thrived in Serie A, and young prospects could be hard to resist, especially considering Osimhen’s preference for the Premier League and Drogba’s influence.
PSG might make another push, but Chelsea appear to be in the driver’s seat to land the coveted Nigerian striker. The coming weeks will reveal if Osimhen will be adding firepower to the Blues’ attack next season.
Big Money Gamble or Shrewd Investment?
The prospect of Osimhen spearheading Chelsea’s attack is exciting, but Chelsea must temper their enthusiasm with a dose of recent history.
The club has a checkered past with big-money signings, particularly in attack. Memories of Romelu Lukaku’s failed £97 million return still lingers at Stamford Bridge.
The Belgian’s struggles to adapt to Thomas Tuchel’s system and a series of high-profile gaffes resulted in a disappointing loan spell back at Inter Milan.
This Lukaku situation isn’t an isolated incident. Chelsea have a history of struggling to integrate expensive forwards.
Players like Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres, once world-beaters, failed to recapture their form under the bright lights of London.
Osimhen’s talent is undeniable, but €80 million is a massive sum, especially if there’s a chance it can go the way of Lukaku.
The Blues will be better served signing a more cost-effective option like Stuttgart man Serhou Guirassy.
The Guinean striker has been tearing up the Bundesliga with 25 goals, a statistic that betters Osimhen’s Serie A record.
At 28, Guirassy brings valuable experience and a similar playing style to Osimhen.
This will allow Chelsea to develop Nicolas Jackson (13 PL goals in his debut campaign), who will learn from a seasoned campaigner like Guirassy.
Osimhen is a world-class talent, but Chelsea cannot be blinded by his potential.
A more measured approach, focusing on a player like Guirassy, will provide a better return on investment and allow them to nurture their exciting young talent.