Chelsea target Victor Osimhen to leave Lille this summer
According to the Daily Mail (h/t Football.london), Chelsea have received encouraging news in their pursuit of Lille ace Victor Osimhen.
Lille manager Christophe Galtier has confirmed that the striker will leave the Ligue 1 club at the end of the season. The 21-year-old has scored 18 goals and six assists in 38 games this season. (h/t Transfermarkt)
“Regarding Victor and Gabriel [Magalhaes], yes, I’ve known for a long time that they’re leaving.”
Not only is he a prolific goalscorer but also one who can hold the ball well and bring his teammates into play. This has seen him get compared to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
Osimhen’s performances have garnered attention from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal. However, having already played in the Champions League for Lille, moving to either of those clubs should be seen as a step-down.
The Blues have already signed Timo Werner. The German ace will be the best striker at the club. Tammy Abraham lacks consistency, while Michy Batshuayi has been a major disappointment.
Oliver Giroud has impressed but given his advanced age, he is at best a short-term option. Having some cover is important and bringing in Osimhen will do exactly that. At 21, he is also a player who can be a long-term option if he progresses as expected.
One disadvantage we may have is the player’s preference to move to a team such as Wolfsburg. It is hinted that he can achieve more playing time at such a club rather than one of Europe’s biggest teams.
It is difficult to see him displace Werner even if he arrives but with time, he could certainly present his case to Frank Lampard.
Osimhen is a fine young striker with plenty of promise. He could very well prove to be a brilliant piece of business. Whether it is for Chelsea or not remains to be seen.
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It was earlier reported that Chelsea are also keen on bringing in a centre-back.
With Lille admitting that Gabriel is for sale, it would not be the worst idea for us to try to strike a double deal. The duo may not be the most in-demand youngster in Europe, but neither was Drogba.
