Chelsea are reportedly set to make Napoli marksman Victor Osimhen their No.1 transfer target in January.
Mauricio Pochettino wants to add a centre-forward to his squad after his team’s struggles in front of goal this season. With Christopher Nkunku still out injured, Nicolas Jackson only just finding his feet, and Armando Broja recently returning from a long injury layoff, the Blues could spend big on a striker in the winter window to blast their way into the top four.
According to the Telegraph, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has emerged as a prime target for Chelsea.
Osimhen, 24, fired Napoli to the Serie A title and scored 31 goals in all competitions last season. Amidst off-field issues, the Nigeria international has continued his solid form this season, netting six goals in nine Serie A appearances.
After three successful seasons in Naples, the 24-year-old striker is expected to have an asking price of well over £100 million and could break the Premier League record of £106.8 million paid by Chelsea for Enzo Fernandez, which could scupper a January deal. However, the striker position is one which Mauricio Pochettino wants to fill long-term and remains keen on Osimhen, the report adds.
Victor Osimhen to Chelsea—Predicted XI with him in the team (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez has had a shaky start to life as a Chelsea player. For now, he is set to continue in goal with Pochettino trusting the Spaniard to regain the form he showed at Brighton.
Defence
Chelsea have conceded eight goals in their last two Premier League games and that clearly shows their frailties at the back. Despite being one of their best players this season, Thiago Silva has made errors of late. He is in the twilight of his career and cannot continue for long, so Axel Disasi should be the perfect successor for the veteran Brazilian on the right-hand side of Chelsea’s defence.
Benoit Badiashile could partner Disasi in central defence, with Levi Colwill preferred at left-back over the error-prone Marc Cucurella. Reece James picked up a silly red card in Chelsea’s 4-1 defeat to Newcastle last weekend, but being the skipper should usually start at right-back.
Midfield
Both Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo have not pulled up trees so far this season, yet they should retain their spots at the base of the midfield. This means Conor Gallagher is likely to drop out for Christopher Nkunku, who is edging towards making his official debut for Chelsea after spending months out on the sidelines.
Nkunku was Chelsea’s best player in the pre-season tour of Asia, and having him back fully fit and running would be such a big boost for Pochettino. The Frenchman is a versatile customer and could be best utilised in a No.10 position, with his creativity and flair on the ball capable of unlocking the well-drilled defences.
Attack
Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer have fixed their spots on the wide areas with impressive displays. With Nkunku in the No.10 and Sterling and Palmer out wide, Chelsea’s No.1 January target Victor Osimhen could get plenty of service in the box. The Nigerian would bring pace, power and athleticism to the Chelsea attack whilst being a top mentor for the young Jackson.
If Osimhen were to join, Chelsea would have a formidable attack to boast of.