By Rosemary Ugiomoh
Chelsea has kicked off their summer plans with early contact over Victor Osimhen, reports say. With Xabi Alonso set to walk in on July 1 as the new manager on a four-year deal, the Blues are already mapping out a big squad reset.
Last season stung. A 10th-place finish in the Premier League left Chelsea outside Europe entirely, and that’s pushing them to move fast in the transfer market. Attack is the main focus. Joao Pedro could be one of several exits, with Barcelona circling the Brazilian forward.
Alonso’s top brief is simple: bring in a proven scorer. Osimhen is right at the top of that list. The 27-year-old Super Eagles striker just wrapped another strong year at Galatasaray. 22 goals total, 15 in the league and 7 in the Champions League. That Champions League record is exactly why Europe’s elite are watching.
Galatasaray only made his move from Napoli permanent last summer in a club-record deal, so they don’t want to sell. But €100m might make them think twice. Chelsea have the money to go there.
The problem? No Europe. No Champions League football next season at Stamford Bridge. At his peak, Osimhen will likely want the top stage, and that gives clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Man United and Newcastle an edge. All four are tracking him too.
Bottom line: expect Osimhen’s future to dominate headlines all summer. Africa’s most in-demand striker, and Chelsea want to make him their statement signing under Alonso
