In 2024, Chelsea will aim to add a top-tier striker to their roster. Although a January transfer is unlikely, the Blues may be able to capture Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, one of the best shooters in the world, during the summer transfer window.

Osimhen and the Partenopei just inked a new deal that has a 130–140 million euro release clause. Although that’s a big sum of money, Aurelio De Laurentiis is certain he can obtain that kind of money.

This release clause makes it easier for him to sign with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG, or any other top European team that needs one of the most sought-after No. 9s in the world.

The issue is that Chelsea has a significant disadvantage that must be taken into account. Their advantage comes from their club’s prestige, their financial resources, and their requirement for a striker such as Osimhen.

But would Osimhen be open to playing for a team that isn’t participating in the Champions League? Chelsea won’t be able to qualify for the UCL in 2024–2025, even if they bounce back this season to play in Europe.

They have enough talent on their team to qualify for the Champions League in 2025–2026; yet, there is no assurance. The Premier League is becoming increasingly competitive as teams like Brighton, Aston Villa, and Newcastle rise in the standings. Arsenal is once again a top team.

Osimhen is free to choose from a variety of clubs. More money and UCL football are guaranteed by PSG than by anyone else. Despite not having the Champions League, United is still far ahead of Chelsea. London’s newest powerhouse is Arsenal.

One day, Chelsea will return to the UCL, and they have a ton of other things to offer Osimhen. They don’t appear to be the kind of team Osimhen has been dreaming of joining, though, so he will assess them and other offers more realistically.

The 2022–2023 Capocannoniere champion is by far the greatest alternative available to the Blues, thus they should take every opportunity to get him. He has the ability to change their prospects and be the one to return UCL football to Stamford Bridge in 2025–2026.

However, the competition is fierce. Chelsea needs to consider Osimhen’s options because it’s possible that the Napoli player, who made it to the competition’s quarterfinals the previous year, will not sign with them if the Champions League isn’t offered.