According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea have identified Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is also on the radars of Tottenham, as their ‘dream’ target for the 2023 summer transfer window.
The Blues’ new ownership have spent a fortune over the last two transfer windows to bolster the squad, but the London outfit are still looking for more firepower up top.
Chelsea are willing to buy a new striker in 2023 since Kai Havertz has struggled to fill the striker role consistently in attack. According to sources, the Blues are eager to beat out competition from other teams for Napoli hitman Osimhen.
The Nigeria international has been the talk of the town ahead of the reopening of the transfer window thanks to the exceptional season he’s having at Napoli, who are on the verge of winning the Serie A title this season, currently enjoying a whopping 15 point lead at the top of the Italian top-flight table.
With 21 goals in 26 appearances to his name across all competitions this season, the Nigerian forward has established himself as one of the most deadliest strikers in Europe.
With 19 of his goals coming in the league, it comes to no surprise that he’s currently leading goalscoring charts over in Italy.
Given that Chelsea have managed to score just five goals in 12 games in 2023, the Blues are in desperate need of a reliable number nine to bang in all-important goals this summer.
Clubs in race to sign Victor Osimhen
Needless to say, Osimhen’s form has alerted a number of top Premier League clubs.
The 24-year-old is apparently wanted by Tottenham Hotspur, who view him as the ideal Harry Kane replacement amid Englishman’s exit talks are back on the rumour mill following the Lilywhites’ elimination from the Champions League.
However, with Chelsea now in the mix, the battle to sign the striker is starting to hot up.
“Osimhen is liked by Chelsea and many at the club would see him as the dream striker signing,” Phillips said to Get Football.
“But, he would not be cheap and Chelsea are weighing up other options as well. Osimhen will have a lot of interest coming in for him.”
Osimhen has over two years left on his current contract, therefore Napoli are in a strong negotiating position and will demand a premium price.
The Partenopei are reportedly seeking close to €150 million for the Nigeria international’s services, a price that hasn’t fazed Chelsea.
Meanwhile, as per other paper talk, some of Europe’s top elite clubs are also interested in signing the Napoli forward.
Arsenal, Manchester United, and recently added PSG have also shown interest in Osimhen.
This comes as a major blow for Tottenham, who might be losing their star striker Kane this summer.
As for Chelsea, they have already shown their financial power in the previous two windows and thus could easily pull off yet another mega-money transfer acquisition come summer.
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