Chelsea manager, Enzo Maresca, has issued a warning for the club to take time to sign one of the highest paid players, as tomorrow's deadline approaches.
Chelsea are looking to sign a forward after spending £271 million
Apart from spending an estimated £271 million signing Joao Felix, Mike Penders, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga, Estevao Willian, Filip Jorgensen, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Caleb Wiley, Omari Kellyman and Pedro Neto already (including U -Estevao for £51m), it is believed that Todd Boehly and BlueCo could add more new players to Maresca's ranks.
Indeed, reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano says that Man United have Jadon Sancho removed from their radar, as a possible swap deal involving Raheem Sterling appears in the last week of the window.
Chelsea opened talks to sign Sancho with the departing Sterling earlier this week, and that remains a possibility, despite the presence of Serie A giants Juventus, who are also eyeing a late move for the £250,000-a-week winner.
Meanwhile, fellow Chelsea sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, who are spearheading the club's recruitment drive, are desperate for a new striker to lead Maresca forward.
Chelsea made an inquiry into Brentford striker Ivan Toney earlier this week, although the Englishman is also being chased by Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. The 28-year-old, who scored 20 Premier League goals in the 2022/2023 season, could be a cheaper alternative to Victor Osimhen as his contract expires next year.
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Victor Osimhen's stats for Serie A 2023/24 |
|
|---|---|
|
Appearance |
25 |
|
Goals |
15 |
|
It helps |
3 |
|
90 Shots |
3.86 |
|
90 Key Passes |
1.05 |
|
Successful Takeovers in the 90's |
0.73 |
|
WhoScored |
|
This does not mean the Blues have given up on their pursuit of Osimhen, however, as Chelsea are believed to be in talks with Napoli over a late deal for the Nigerian international.
“Napoli think Chelsea will bid for Victor Osimhen following new meetings,” said reporter Ben Jacobs to X.
“The Italian club believes that its price drop has persuaded Chelsea to follow a non-temporary formula. Chelsea are currently in ongoing negotiations as they discussed a loan deal earlier this month.”
Maresca wants Osimhen at Chelsea as he lights a late bid
According to TEAMtalk, Maresca is believed to have personally agreed to Osimhen's late exit, with the striker's asking price dropping to around £60 million.
The £179,000-a-week star, who looks set to leave this summer, has been one of Serie A's top scorers since joining from Lille in 2020. There are other reports that Osimhen has agreed terms with Chelsea. , but like Toney, they face competition from Al-Ahli – who are willing to pay the 25-year-old a staggering £400,000-a-week to join them.
“He's a complete player,” said Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola on Sky Sports (via The Metro).
“He has a good reference when he goes forward, he knows how to connect the game and he is aggressive in the air. He is a problem for the defenders.”
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