Chelsea could miss out on Victor Osimhen transfer as Premier League rivals show teeth

Chelsea need a new striker this summer as Enzo Maresca looks to lead the Blues back into the Champions League.

Nicolas Jackson’s struggles up front weakened Chelsea’s attack on numerous occasions under Mauricio Pochettino last season. And the west London club cannot afford to make the same mistake again with a different manager in charge.

One player who has been linked with a possible move to Stamford Bridge for some time is Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who has shot to prominence in recent years for his superb goalscoring record. The Nigerian has scored 76 goals in all competitions since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020.

There has been more talk of Osimhen returning to France this summer than a move to the Premier League, with Paris Saint-Germain the favourites. Arsenal have also previously been linked with the 25-year-old.

But now another club could start to worry Chelsea if they are thinking of signing Osimhen. Manchester United have performed effectively so far in the transfer market under new sporting director Dan Ashworth.

The former Football Association and Brighton player officially started work at Old Trafford on July 1 after a period of gardening leave at Newcastle. Ashworth is part of a new structure at the Red Devils, where Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group now handles football operations.

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The arrival of Leny Yoro from Lille, despite strong interest from European champions Real Madrid, has made people take notice. This is not the same indecisive United of previous transfer windows under Ed Woodward or John Murtough.

United themselves have also been linked with Osimhen before and that should worry Chelsea. Of course, they will have to be careful about their financial situation as all English top-flight clubs must take into account the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Another reason United might not be able to rival the Blues for Osimhen is that they have already signed one striker this summer, Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. However, United have been linked with the signing of another striker, such as Brentford’s Ivan Toney, and if they have the financial means, they could act decisively once again to outbid a rival for their top target.

If that turns out to be Osimhen, Chelsea will have to act quickly or risk losing a much-needed goalscorer.