Throughout history, Chelsea’s striker position has experienced a dichotomous narrative. The Blues were blessed with some iconic legends leading the line, such as Didier Drogba, but have failed to sort a long-term, quality striker since Diego Costa left in 2017. As a result, Chelsea’s infamous ‘number nine curse’ looms. However, one of Europe’s best strikers is astonishingly available on the market and been consistently linked to the Blues. Chelsea must take advantage of this rare situation to sign superstar striker Victor Osimhen.
Why Chelsea Should Sign Victor Osimhen
Mutually Beneficial Transfer Situation
In theory, Osimhen’s transfer to London provides a mutually beneficial outcome for both clubs. The Premier League side have been targeting a new striker signing throughout the summer transfer window and have a history of monitoring Osimhen. They also still have Romelu Lukaku on the books and have consistently tried to offload the Belgian permanently.
As for Napoli, new manager Antonio Conte has made it clear that he wants to reunite with Lukaku after their successful spell together for Inter Milan. They are thus submitting offers to sign the outcast number nine. Furthermore, Osimhen has already been exiled from the squad after being excluded from the match day squad for multiple preseason friendlies.
Two main factors are complicating a seemingly simple solution. Firstly, Chelsea’s sporting directors are adamantly sticking to their strict wage structure. Their target would have to accept a lowered wage in order to fit into their structure, but the Nigerian is reluctant to do so. Secondly, both parties have disagreements over transfer methods and fees for each striker.
There is a £10 million gap in valuation between Napoli’s offer for Lukaku and the set price tag, while Chelsea are searching for a loan + option to buy for Osimhen despite his desire for a permanent departure.
Star strikers don’t hit the market often, and the details of such transfers never align so perfectly. Strict wage structures are meant to be broken for superstar talents that elevate the club’s brand and performances. The English side must seize the rare opportunity they have of signing one of Europe’s best strikers.
Goalscoring Record
Although the details of Osimhen’s transfer may align perfectly, what else merits such a lucrative move? The most important reason why Enzo Maresca’s team should sign the Nigerian centre forward is due to his prolific goal-scoring record.
Osimhen has scored 65 goals and assisted another 16 in only 108 Serie A matches since joining Napoli. In the 2022/23 season, he led them to their first Scudetto in over 30 years by netting 26 times in 30 starts. His underlying stats during that title-winning season were historically sensational, too.
According to FBref, Napoli’s number nine ranked in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals, non-penalty expected goals, total shots, and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90. Despite his slight drop-off last season, the striker still ranked around the 90+ percentile for those same stats which shows notable consistency.
Bhe Blues have been searching for a prolific striker in front of goal ever since Costa’s departure. While Nicolas Jackson showed promising quality last term, the part of his game that needs to improve the most is his finishing.
Chelsea need someone to more efficiently convert the numerous amount of chances they create, and Osimhen could provide the perfect solution. The Nigerian would provide a phenomenal goalscoring threat in the midst of his prime and take pressure off of Jackson who endured a lot of stick in his debut campaign.
Osimhen’s Player Profile
In addition to his goalscoring record, Osimhen is a perfect fit for what they have been targeting in a striker. Maresca’s tactics will need a physically dominant number nine whose main strengths include finishing and aerial prowess in the box. Nearly all of the main striker targets this summer represent this profile including Benjamin Sesko, Jhon Duran, Samu Omorodion, and of course Osimhen.
Bringing in this type of striker would complement really well with Jackson’s profile. The Senegalese attacker is most adept at dropping deep to carry the ball and link up with the attack, but is often underwhelming physically and with finishing. Thus, Chelsea need a striker alternative who thrives in the box and is physically dominant. Osimhen fits this profile description perfectly, which makes him an ideal signing this summer.
The math simply adds up. Chelsea want Osimhen, Napoli want Lukaku. The Blues want to offload Lukaku, gli Azzuri want to offload Osimhen. So what’s the hold-up?
