Chelsea have made Napoli’s Victor Osimhen their No.1 striker target ahead of the summer transfer window.
Victor Osimhen signed a new contract at Napoli back in December, but it is believed to have a release clause in it, making a move to Chelsea before the start of the 2024/25 season still possible.
The Blues are light up front presently, with Nicolas Jackson being the only recognised centre-forward in Mauricio Pochettino‘s squad.
The 22-year-old has had an up and down season, recently coming in for criticism for his displays against Arsenal and Manchester City. In total, he has scored 13 goals in 38 appearances.
Osimhen could be set to replace Jackson in Chelsea’s starting XI, but the club have other options in the event that they fail to land the Nigerian this summer.
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Chelsea’s potential Victor Osimhen alternatives
HITC insider Graeme Bailey has told The Chelsea Chronicle that while Osimhen remains the striker who Chelsea are focusing on at the moment, the Blues have a whole list of other names.
He said: “It’s like in draft week, can I use that analogy for you? They’ve got a draft board, they’ve got their No.9s and there’s probably a list of 10-20 who they’re assessing, they’re looking at. Lautaro Martinez is someone they’ve always liked, they appreciate.
“If Dusan Vlahovic rejects his new contract at Juventus, I wouldn’t rule him out of the equation. Benjamin Sesko, I don’t see him being that… I think they want someone who can come in and step into that No.9 straight away. Ivan Toney’s someone they’ve looked at, but I think he’s dropped down the pecking order a little bit, but could it be Toney? It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s available and they’re just like, ‘Right, let’s go with Toney.’
“I think there’s a good four, five, six who they like, I really do. Osimhen is clearly the No.1. He is the one they want, ticks every box. They’re trying hard for him. That’s not to say he is the only one they’re trying for.”
Benjamin Sesko and Ivan Toney attainable options for Chelsea
Sesko is reported to have a release clause of €50m (£42.8m), which becomes active this summer.
It makes the RB Leipzig star very attainable, though you have to wonder whether Chelsea are willing to sign another young centre-forward.
As for Toney, who is more experienced than the 20-year-old and is Premier League proven, his contract at Brentford expires in 2025. It means the Bees could be forced to sell the England international in the next transfer window to avoid the risk of losing him for nothing.
However, it is quite clear that Chelsea are going to do everything they can to land Osimhen before they start making offers for other strikers.
