MY ACCOUNT
Chelsea are one of many clubs to have been heavily linked with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The 24-year-old is enjoying an outstanding season in Italy, putting Napoli on course to win their first Scudetto since 1990.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have sacked both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter and are steadily drifting away from the European places.
If their bluntness in attack continues in today’s clash with Wolves, the case for their pursuit of Osimhen will gather more momentum.
Nothing to show
Chelsea have been alarmingly stale in front of goal this season.
They have scored 29 times in as many matches in the Premier League, a dreadful return for a team with such lofty ambitions.
The Blues lack a clinical focal point in attack — their top scorer is Kai Havertz with seven and he has managed just 0.29 goals per 90.
Osimhen is a lethal operator with a range of talents and would surely elevate their goalscoring threat.
Following his idol
Osimhen has previously revealed that his idol growing up was Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
While playing for Lille, the striker visited Stamford Bridge for a Champions League clash with the Blues and was thrilled to have been on the Londoners’ pitch.
He said: “I called all my friends [and told them] that I was on the pitch because I was beyond happy to be on the grass at Stamford Bridge where my idol Drogba scored many goals. I cherished the moment.”
Incredible numbers
Osimhen is undoubtedly one of the best strikers in world football and is set to lift the league title in the coming weeks.
Scoring 21 times in 1,916 Serie A minutes is an incredible return — his goals-per-game ratio stands at a stellar 0.99 in Italy’s top flight.
He has hit those numbers without converting a single spot-kick, making the feat even more remarkable.
The Nigerian has scored only eight fewer goals than Chelsea in league competition this term — evidence both of his quality and how badly the Blues need a world-class centre forward.
Hoddle’s approval
Osimhen’s future has been the subject of media speculation for some time, with plenty of links to the Premier League.
Ex-Chelsea manager Glenn Hoddle has urged the Blues to fend off the competition and sign the 24-year-old this summer.
He said: “Without a doubt, [Osimhen] is number one but there are a few clubs after him. But if you put him in a Chelsea shirt, he will score a load of goals.
“You need someone who you think is going to score 20 goals for you, a fox in the box, someone who wants to be in that area where they’re creating so much.”
Creativity and class
Osimhen is such an attractive prospect because he offers more than just an elite goalscoring record.
His hold-up play is excellent and he brings his teammates — especially Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who he has formed an excellent partnership with — into the game expertly.
The Lagos native has created 23 chances this season and has been rewarded with four assists for his efforts.
In the meantime, victory over Wolves and an uptick in form may be crucial to convincing Osimhen that a move to his cherished Stamford Bridge is best for his career.
