The story between Chelsea and Victor Osimhen is far from over and fresh reports have ignited the saga which headlined the transfer market in the last days of August. Osimhen was on Chelsea’s wishlist throughout the summer but it was only in the final days when the club made serious moves to sign the striker. Ultimately, time proved to be the greatest enemy for the deal to go through as the parties could not agree on minor details of the contract. Nonetheless, the London club might be in again for the Nigerian in the winter.
Victor Osimhen was snubbed by Antonio Conte from his squad as soon as the Italian took over the managerial duties at Napoli. The 25-year-old was also approached by Saudi Club, Al-Ahli, who settled with Ivan Toney in the end. Chelsea and Todd Boehly tried to take advantage of the situation in the end to fulfil the requirements of a potent number nine. However, the club desired to advance on a loan deal while Napoli and Osimhen held on for a permanent transfer.
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Victor Osimhen did not plan on compromising his €10 million annual Napoli salary which Chelsea had no intention of meeting. Multiple intermediaries were involved but could not get the deal over the line. The striker ended up joining Galatasaray on loan for the season. Chelsea, though, is planning on entering into negotiations once again in the January transfer window to lure Osimhen to the Premier League and put the saga to rest once and for all.
Deciphering Victor Osimhen’s role and suitability at Chelsea
Osimhen has always expressed his desire and dream to play in the Premier League one day. His idol, Didier Drogba was a legendary target man at Stamford Bridge and Chelsea supporters can imagine the former Lille man fulfilling that responsibility. A clinical number nine has been the missing piece at Chelsea for several years, leading to unrealised potential in the front line. Nicolas Jackson has been assigned the role currently, but the Senegalese is far from ready to be a guaranteed starter at a big Premier League club.
Victor Osimhen’s fundamental strengths lie in his physicality, agility, and his aerial game. His ability to convert crosses is well documented which will provide the Blues with another dimension while attacking. With the likes of Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Jadon Sancho, Joao Felix, and Pedro Neto operating as creative threats, Victor Osimhen will benefit greatly at Chelsea. His exceptional pace and acceleration can also make him a lethal weapon on transitions. Overall, the profile of Victor Osimhen will suit the playstyle of Enzo Maresca and has a great potential to achieve success at Chelsea.