Victor Osimhen Is Open To Joining Chelsea In January
Napoli Striker Victor Osimhen is reportedly open to the idea of making a move to Chelsea in the January window. Victor Osimhen is one of the most coveted strikers in Europe at the moment as he continues to impress for Napoli.
Chelsea has somewhat struggled in front of goal so far this season, with summer signing Nicolas Jackson only finding the net seven times so far this season, Mauricio Pochettino’s side has struggled to put their chances away in games this term.
The Blues wanted to sign Osimhen, but the Italian giants were determined to hold onto their talisman so Mauricio Pochettino turned his attention to Nicolas Jackson.
It’s believed that Chelsea viewed the Nigeria international as somebody who could have transformed the club’s misfortunes in front of goal but, without Champions League qualification, any bid to sign him proved difficult.
Osimhen currently faces an uncertain future at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium at the moment after the Napoli posted a controversial video which appeared to mock him.
The Nigerian was said to be unhappy with the club’s social media activity, but Rudi Garcia, the erstwhile manager, and Aurelio de Laurentiis the owner have since denied reports linking him with an exit and have insisted that ‘everyone is happy’.
As it happens, Chelsea are still in the market for a new striker despite having signed Jackson from Villarreal in the summer. And, according to widespread reports, Osimhen is open to joining the west Londoners, who ‘strongly admire’ him.
However, reports suggest that any potential move to Stamford Bridge could be scuppered by Napoli’s eye-watering £100 million price tag. Osimhen has prided himself as one of the most exciting frontmen in Europe recently, leading the Italian side to the Serie A title last term.
After scoring 26 goals in 32 appearances, he’s picked up from where he left off this season, netting six in nine games and securing a place in the top four. Despite doubt over Jackson’s ability amid Chelsea’s links with Osimhen, Pochettino has defended his striker.
At the end of October, the former Spurs boss said: We cannot abuse, even if you say ‘wake up’, because I think it’s not right. He suffered an injury (to his hand during the last international break), and it’s difficult to train, keep fit, and score goals.
Nico (Jackson) needs support. He wants to help the team and for different reasons, he’s not performing. He played with a cast after he broke his hand.
Fans can criticise us and they’re frustrated but they need to analyse the situation. Jackson is young, he arrived this season and there are circumstances that didn’t help him perform his best.
You think we should throw him into the bin and say he’s useless? We have to give the confidence. He’s our striker, he’s our player and it’s about supporting the player.
According to The Telegraph, Pochettino is keen for Chelsea to recruit another striker and Osimhen is currently at the top of the club’s shortlist.
The report also claims that Osimhen is interested in joining Chelsea, despite their lack of Champions League football.
