Two-time European champions Chelsea have rekindled their interest in Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen, according to reports in the English media.
The 25-year-old who has a £113 million ($143.49m) release clause and is expected to leave Napoli this summer. Chelsea have been tracking Osimhen for years but have yet to formalise their interest. This time, according to the Sun, the Blues are set to make good on their interest.
Despite facing challenges in maintaining his 2022/23 season form, Osimhen remains a highly sought-after centre-forward as the transfer window approaches.
In the following campaign, he scored 26 goals in 32 Serie A matches, propelling Napoli to the league title. However, he netted only 17 goals across all competitions in the recently ended Serie A season.
Napoli's owner, Aurelio de Laurentiis, has announced that the Nigerian striker will depart the club this summer.
Premier League rivals Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) were also monitoring the striker. However, recent reports from France suggest that the Paris club might shift their focus away from the Nigeria international, following a recommendation from manager Luis Enrique.
The Spaniard reportedly prefers Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes to replace Kylian Mbappe, who is expected to leave when the summer transfer window opens.
How Victor Osimhen could fit into Enzo Maresca's tactics at Chelsea
As Chelsea prepares for the possible arrival of Victor Osimhen, the club’s new managerial appointment, Enzo Maresca, will be keen on integrating the Nigerian forward into his tactical framework. Maresca, known for his modern approach and tactical flexibility, could unlock Osimhen’s full potential, making him a pivotal figure in Chelsea’s quest for success.
The 44-year-old, who honed his coaching skills under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, emphasises possession-based football, high pressing, and fluid attacking movements.
His teams are characterised by their ability to control the game through meticulous build-up play and quick transitions. This tactical philosophy aligns well with the strengths of Osimhen, who excels in dynamic, high-tempo environments.
Osimhen brings a blend of speed, strength, and clinical finishing to the table. His ability to stretch defences with his pace and his knack for finding the back of the net make him a formidable striker. His aerial prowess and physicality allow him to hold up the ball effectively, creating opportunities for his teammates.
Osimhen would likely be deployed as the central striker in Maresca’s preferred 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations. His ability to play as a lone forward or in a dual-striker setup provides tactical flexibility.
Maresca’s system relies heavily on high pressing and quick recovery of possession. Osimhen’s work rate and willingness to press defenders align perfectly with this approach. His ability to lead the press from the front would disrupt opposition build-up play, allowing Chelsea to regain control higher up the pitch.
Osimhen’s arrival could significantly elevate Chelsea’s attacking capabilities. His presence would not only increase the team’s goal-scoring potential but also provide a focal point around which the attacking play can revolve. With the Nigeria international leading the line, Chelsea’s wingers and attacking midfielders would benefit from the spaces he creates and his ability to convert crosses and through balls into goals.
Victor Osimhen’s integration into Enzo Maresca’s tactics at Chelsea promises to be a game-changer for the club.
His attributes perfectly complement Maresca’s tactical philosophy, and his versatility allows for various attacking configurations. As Chelsea aims to re-establish themselves as a dominant force in English and European football, he could be the key to unlocking their full potential under Maresca’s innovative management.
