The summer transfer window is always the best time for big players to move to new clubs, with a new season and fresh opportunities ahead.
After the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Julian Alvarez completed big-money moves this summer, a few more are expected before the window shuts. Nevertheless, the Premier League is yet to record a superstar arrival despite leading the total spending across European leagues.
Victor Osimhen could be that big-name signing with just eight days left in the 2024/25 summer transfer window as the striker’s future is still up in the air.
Several top clubs are in need of a proven centre-forward and Osimhen is available on the market, a move away from Napoli has been mooted since his 26 goals and five assists propelled them to a historic Serie A triumph last year.
Although injuries and the Africa Cup of Nations impacted Osimhen’s availability last season, he was still arguably Napoli’s best player in a miserable title defence as he grabbed 15 goals in 25 league games.
The Nigerian has an agreement in place to leave the Partenopei whose new manager, Antonio Conte, is desperate to bring in Romelu Lukaku. Osimhen has been absent from all of Napoli’s squads in their competitive games this season while Chelsea are also keen to offload Lukaku.
This leaves the Blues and Napoli in a symbiotic situation with talks already being held over exchanging both number 9s. However, the English side’s offer of an initial loan is unfavourable to the player and his club who want a permanent exit.
Osimhen could still move to London should a deal with Chelsea fall through as Arsenal have reportedly resumed their pursuit of the striker although they are yet to make an official bid. The Gunners are carefully considering their options while Paris Saint-Germain are also in the race as one of the few clubs capable of meeting Osimhen’s asking price.
Notwithstanding, Stamford Bridge appears to be Osimhen’s most likely destination given his love for the club and admiration for Didier Drogba. So far, the extravagant €130 million release clause in his Napoli contract is a stumbling block and Chelsea currently need to sell a number of unwanted stars before freeing up the wages and financial breathing space to sanction a permanent deal.
Why Chelsea want Osimhen
Chelsea finished sixth in the Premier League last season as they belatedly clicked into gear thanks to a late-season resurgence under Mauricio Pochettino. That was not enough to keep the Argentine in the job and he was replaced by Enzo Maresca ahead of the new season.
Although eyebrows were justifiably raised about his experience managing a top club, Maresca earned this chance to manage Chelsea thanks to his expansive philosophy of football and ability to work within a modern football structure. The Italian is expected to implement dynamic tactical ideas and maximise the potential of an undoubtedly talented squad, much like Pep Guardiola’s former disciples are also doing.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal have battled Manchester City for the Premier League title in the last two seasons, while Vincent Kompany has taken over at Bayern Munich in an attempt to wrestle back the Bundesliga title which Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen won with incredible ease last season.
A total of ten players have so far been signed to the tune of £185 million which is in keeping with Chelsea’s massive spending under the Todd Boehly & Clearlake Capital ownership.
Maresca already had a tough job in the Chelsea hot seat but his first match as a Premier League manager could not have been any tougher. It was a significant match-up against the very best in Guardiola, and the defending champions got their campaign off to a winning start.
Erling Haaland’s first goal of the season was a clinical effort after just 19 minutes and Chelsea saw a number of chances and penalty calls go begging until Mateo Kovacic secured all three points with the second goal late on.
Against a side that has won four consecutive Premier League titles, this was a reality check of Chelsea’s fortunes as they were in control for large spells of that opening game. They are perhaps a prolific goalscorer away from competing with the best teams in England again.
Having finished sixth last season, they were denied an Europa League spot by Manchester United’s FA Cup victory and were only three wins away from lifting the Carabao Cup and earning a Champions League place.
Chelsea’s misfortune is typified by the lack of a prolific forward who can determine games from few scoring chances. Nicolas Jackson started up front against Manchester City last weekend and was guilty of missing goalscoring chances which points to the need for an upgrade in that position, despite Jackson’s immense promise as a player.
Should they keep key players fit, Maresca’s team needs a reliable goalscorer to finish off the many chances which would be provided by a high-possession system. The likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Pedro Neto and Joao Felix have all been added to improve the quality and experience in the ranks, and the reigning African Player of The Year is the type of player to remarkably strengthen their core.
At 25 years old, Osimhen fits the age profile that Chelsea’s owners are looking for and their first team is screaming out for a player of his quality.
With so many upsides to completing this deal; Osimhen, Chelsea, Lukaku, Conte and Napoli could all walk away happy with their business this summer.
