Why Xabi Alonso could be the key to Chelsea finally landing Victor Osimhen

Chelsea’s interest in Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has resurfaced ahead of what could become one of the biggest transfer battles of the summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

This is as incoming manager Xabi Alonso is expected to play a major role in the club’s renewed push for the Galatasaray forward.

The Blues have tracked Osimhen for almost two years and were close to bringing him to Stamford Bridge in 2024 before negotiations collapsed over salary demands. Now, with Alonso preparing to officially begin work in west London on July 1 after agreeing a four-year contract, Chelsea’s hierarchy are again exploring the possibility of signing the former Napoli striker.

Osimhen has strengthened his reputation during another prolific season at Galatasaray. The 27-year-old has scored 22 goals in 29 starts and helped the Istanbul giants continue their domestic dominance while reaching the knockout rounds of the UEFA Champions League.

Chelsea’s interest comes at a time when the club are preparing for major changes in attack. Questions remain over the long-term futures of several forwards, while the search for a reliable goalscorer capable of delivering more than 25 goals a season has become a priority.

Although Joao Pedro has enjoyed an impressive campaign with 20 goals and nine assists, Chelsea still believe they need a more physical and ruthless penalty-box striker to lead the line.

Chelsea believe Alonso’s arrival could significantly improve their chances in negotiations with Osimhen. The Spaniard’s reputation across Europe remains strong because of his tactical work at Bayer Leverkusen. Even after a difficult spell at Real Madrid, Alonso is still seen as one of the most respected young coaches in European football.

Osimhen and Chelsea, Champions League a serious hurdle

One obstacle Chelsea may struggle to overcome in signing Osimhen is the absence of UEFA Champions League football next season.

For elite players such as Osimhen, the Champions League often plays a decisive role in transfer decisions. Chelsea’s recent inconsistency and failure to secure Europe’s top competition could hand rivals an advantage in the race for the Nigerian striker.

That is especially important because Chelsea are not alone in pursuing him. Both Barcelona and Real Madrid are monitoring the situation closely as they assess options to strengthen their attacks before the new campaign.

Barcelona admire Osimhen’s ability to stretch defensive lines and attack space behind defenders, while Real Madrid see him as a powerful alternative in games where physical presence is needed inside the box. Clubs in Saudi Arabia are also expected to revisit their interest after previously attempting to lure him away from Europe with huge financial offers.

Galatasaray, meanwhile, are desperate to keep the striker beyond the summer after his outstanding impact in Turkey. Reports in England suggest the club would demand around €100 million before considering any sale.

Despite that price tag, conversations involving intermediaries have already started behind the scenes between Chelsea and Osimhen, according to Football365. Chelsea remain firmly involved because they believe Alonso’s arrival could help convince Osimhen that the club are building towards a new era capable of challenging for major honours again.

The Nigerian forward is believed to fit Alonso’s preferred style perfectly. Alonso’s teams rely heavily on quick transitions, direct attacking runs and aggressive pressing from the front; areas where Osimhen has consistently excelled throughout his career with Napoli and Galatasaray.

Chelsea supporters have waited years for a dominant striker capable of leading the attack in the manner of Diego Costa during the club’s title-winning years. Whether Osimhen becomes that player may depend on how persuasive Alonso can be, and whether Chelsea can overcome the growing competition for one of Europe’s most wanted forwards.