Just six months ago, Chelsea were reportedly preparing a bid for Super Eagles’ Victor Osimhen, a move that could have seen Nicolas Jackson shipped out on loan or sold permanently.
It’s remarkable how quickly things change in football.
Fast forward to the present, and Jackson’s form has not only silenced his critics but also seemingly closed the door on any potential move for Osimhen to Stamford Bridge.
After Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City early in the season, former Blues and Super Eagles midfielder John Mikel Obi publicly criticized the club’s lack of a reliable striker.
Speaking about Jackson, he remarked, “You need a striker who knows how to hit a ball in the back of the net, and that’s what we don’t have.”
Jackson’s redemption raises questions about Osimhen
At the time, Jackson had endured a turbulent debut season at Chelsea despite scoring 17 goals in 44 games, a tally that even eclipsed Didier Drogba’s debut season at the club.
Wastefulness in front of goal and a poor disciplinary record had cast doubts over his ability to lead the line. Yet this season, the Senegalese striker has grown into a dependable match-winner, particularly on days when Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer is less influential.
Since May, Jackson has scored 12 Premier League goals, with only Erling Haaland (18) managing more. Additionally, Jackson has been involved in 19 goals (13 goals and six assists) in his last 21 league appearances.
Among non-penalty goalscorers since his arrival in England, only Haaland and Ollie Watkins boast better numbers.
Enzo Maresca’s faith in Jackson has been rewarded, and the forward now stands as Chelsea’s joint-top scorer in the league this season, alongside Palmer, with eight goals and three assists in 13 matches.
His rapid development as Chelsea’s leading striker raises a critical question: is there still room for Osimhen in West London?
Osimhen loving life at Gala but future not in Istanbul
Victor Osimhen’s future was a hot topic during the summer transfer window. Several top European clubs, including Chelsea, were linked with the Nigerian forward following his brilliant showings at Napoli.
However, wage disagreements scuppered a late move to Chelsea, and Osimhen ultimately joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan.
Despite his temporary switch, Osimhen has continued to impress. The Super Eagles star has netted six goals and provided three assists in Turkey, surpassing his expected goals (xG: 5.89) and expected assists (xA: 1.10).
His form has not gone unnoticed, with Premier League giants Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea reportedly monitoring his situation.
Napoli have placed a €75m price tag on the 25-year-old, which is beyond Galatasaray’s financial reach. However, English clubs and Paris Saint-Germain are potential suitors capable of meeting that valuation.
Speaking about Osimhen, John Mikel Obi expressed his desire to see the striker join Chelsea, stating: “I hope that Chelsea fans finally get to see him at our club.”
Does Chelsea’s interest in Osimhen still exist?
While Chelsea were once in the market for Osimhen, Jackson’s recent performances may have changed their transfer strategy.
The Senegalese striker has cemented himself as the focal point of Chelsea’s attack, leaving little justification for another big-money investment in a striker like Osimhen.
For Osimhen, this raises questions about his next move. With Chelsea potentially out of the running, clubs like Manchester United and Arsenal emerge as more likely destinations.
United, in particular, are in desperate need of a reliable goalscorer, while Arsenal could see Osimhen as a long-term replacement for Gabriel Jesus. PSG also remain an option, especially given their willingness to spend on proven talent.
