Chelsea will be looking for a world-class striker in 2024. A January move is unlikely, but the summer window might provide the Blues with the opportunity to recruit one of the world’s best strikers, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen just signed a new deal with the Partenopei, which includes a release clause in the range of 130 to 140 million euros. That’s a lot of money, but it’s the type of money Aurelio De Laurentiis knows he can acquire.
This release clause allows for a move to Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG, Manchester United, or another elite European club in need of one of the world’s most sought-after No. 9s.
The issue is that Chelsea have a significant disadvantage that must be evaluated. Their advantage is the cachet of their club, the money at their disposal, and the necessity for a striker like Osimhen.
Would Osimhen, on the other hand, be interested in playing for a club that isn’t in the Champions League? Even if Chelsea returns to European football this season, the gap between them and the UCL in 2024/25 is too great.
Their roster is talented enough to qualify for the Champions League in 2025/26, but there are no guarantees. Newcastle, as well as Aston Villa and Brighton, are becoming more competitive in the Premier League. Arsenal is back on top.
Osimhen can choose from a variety of clubs. PSG has more money and assured UCL football than anyone else. United are not in the Champions League, but they are ahead of Chelsea. Arsenal are London’s new powerhouse.
Chelsea will return to the UCL one day and will have so much more to offer Osimhen. However, they do not appear to be the type of team Osimhen has wished to join; he will assess them and other offers more pragmatically.
The Blues should do everything possible to chase the 2022/23 Capocannoniere winner, as he is by far the strongest option they have. He has the potential to change their chances and bring UCL football back to Stamford Bridge in 2025/26.
Nonetheless, the competition is fierce. Chelsea must consider alternatives to Osimhen because the lack of a Champions League spot could be a deal breaker for the Napoli player, who reached the competition’s quarterfinals last season.