Under Todd Boehly, Chelsea have shown scant regard for financial prudence and have often been generous in their outlay for some of the world’s top players. However, while some have thrived, the team as a whole has failed to prosper, with several glaring weaknesses holding them back.
One of them happens to be the lack of a prolific goalscorer to lead the line. Nicolas Jackson often led the attack in 2023-24, scoring 17 goals in the process. While he finished the campaign as the club’s second-highest goalscorer, the opportunities he missed dwarfed the ones he took by far.
Christopher Nkunku’s return from injury is welcome news but the French star cannot be expected to start week-in, week-out. With Romelu Lukaku expected to leave on a permanent deal, the lack of an infallible goalscorer continues to plague the Stamford Bridge faithful.
One player who can come in and do a job is Napoli ace Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian led the Serie A goalscoring charts in 2022/23 as the Gli Azzurri won their first Scudetto since the Diego Maradona era. While he struggled in the 2023-24 season through injuries, a move away from Naples could see him return to his best.
Chelsea are one of the sides keen on the 25-year-old and have been long-time admirers of his goal-scoring prowess. However, the Nigerian star’s €120m+ release clause remains a formidable barrier for the Blues to overcome.
According to Give Me Sport, Chelsea are unwilling to splash the cash and will only return to the table should favorable financial terms crop up. Whether it be a drop in the asking price or a favorable payment structure, financial prudence appears to be the name of the game at Stamford Bridge as far as Osimhen’s pursuit is concerned.
The player, for his part, is open to a move to Stamford Bridge. But that should count for little unless Napoli are willing to take a hit on their demands. This appears unlikely given that Paris Saint-Germain and Al Ahli are both in the race for his signature. Both teams have the cash, and unless Chelsea are ready to take part in a bidding war, they will have to sit this one out.
