Chelsea given name of striker to buy in summer as club icon wants Man Utd heartbreak
The Blues have been urged to land a hammer blow to their rivals in the transfer market.
A Chelsea legend has urged his former club to go all out to buy Victor Osimhen in the summer. Having previously appeared in the title race, Enzo Maresca’s side are now embroiled in a battle to secure a top-four finish, with much of their stumbling form attributed to the lack of a world-class striker.
Nicolas Jackson has been Maresca’s preferred choice as his No.9, but the Ecuador international has been inconsistent amid scoring 26 goals in 68 club appearances. Christopher Nkunku is also expected to leave this summer after failing to hold down a regular place following his £52million move from RB Leipzig. Cole Palmer meanwhile, has hit a barren patch, failing to score in his last 10 games.
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Claude Makelele has called for the club to address the issue in time for the 2025/26 season. And the former French international is adamant that Osimhen, 26, can propel the west London side into title contention.
The Napoli man was heavily linked to Chelsea last summer, but after a deal never materialised, he headed to Galatasaray on loan. Many perceived his career would stall with a stint in Turkey, but he’s since struck 26 times for the Super Lig club in 30 games.
“He is a finisher,” he told talkSPORT. “ I think for the way Chelsea play, they need this kind of striker to have a presence in the box. I think he will be the best option for the club.”
Makelele’s comments follow those of his former teammate, John Obi Mikel, who claimed that his Nigerian compatriot still wants to join Chelsea when his spell in Turkey ends. As well as his boosting his own squad, Maresca could also deliver a hammer blow to Manchester United.
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The Red Devils have their own problems up front, with speculation mounting that Rasmus Hojlund will be offered to Napoli as part of a swap deal for Osimhen. However, barring Europa League glory Ruben Amorim’s side won’t be able to offer Osimhen the carrot of Champions League football.
Chelsea therefore, could be at major advantage if they remain in the top four. However, Maresca’s side are now looking over their shoulders, lying just a point ahead of Manchester City and two clear of Newcastle and Brighton.
