Chelsea have demonstrated their ambition by splashing out record transfer fees across Europe’s top five leagues over the past two years. But with marquee signings such as Victor Osimhen still in their sights, their spending may not be over just yet.
The Blues racked up a £220million bill in the summer after bringing in 12 new signings, with Pedro Neto, Joao Felix, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jadon Sancho, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga and Filip Jorgensen adding to their incredible squad depth.
Some five months after his proposed swap deal fell through, Osimhen might just get a second shot at playing in the Premier League with Chelsea.
The Nigerian was forced to make contingency plans in the summer when the Blues apparently refused to meet his wage demands, with the 25-year-old finding himself out in the cold under Antonio Conte.
Galatasaray offered him a route out of Naples with a season-long loan deal, but it is widely expected Osimhen will cut short his temporary move in order to return to Europe’s major leagues. With 10 goals in 14 outings, the striker has been in deadly form and his performances won’t have gone unnoticed on King’s Road, as well as elsewhere in Europe.
While Osimhen has insisted he is “very happy” to stay in Istanbul, things can change in an instant in the transfer market and Napoli may decide to cash in should any interested party lodge a significant offer.
Chelsea have lost some of their leverage after selling Romelu Lukaku to the Partenopei for £30m, but their relations with their Italian counterparts have been strengthened as a result of that business.
Of course, Maresca may feel his attacking options are adequate enough with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku contributing 21 goals between them in all competitions. But Osimhen offers a dual threat with his thirst for goals and aerial dominance, which could give them the edge in a potential title race.
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