Manager Enzo Maresca comments on the prospects of signing a new striker as talks progress for the signing of Victor Osimhen.
Chelsea hope to secure the signing of their long term target Victor Osimhen before the transfer window shuts on Friday. The Blues have been in search of a recognised number 9 despite having Nicolas Jackson in their ranks. According to the recent reports they have a four man short list inm which the Nigerian is the top priority. There are cheaper alternatives on the list whome they could fancy if talks don’t progress for Osimhen.
Amidst all that Maresca chose to comment on the probablity of Chelsea signing a new striker and it was a green light from the manager.
NEVER ENDING SAGA
Chelsea have been interested in signing Osimhen since his breakout season with Napoli in 2021-22. But this is the closest they have come to signing him. Earlier it was the mammouth transfer fee that made Chelsea step back. Now, Napoli have reduced the asking price as they are desperate to see the back of Osimhen. Recent bid from Al Ahli around 55 million pounds was accepted by the club.
The personal term seem to be the crucial factor that decides Victor’s future. According to latest update by Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are still in talsk with Osimhen’s camp in order to reach an agreement over personal terms. While delegates from Al Ahli are set to travel to Italy in order to advance talks with the player.
But keep in mind the Al Ahli proposal will only be valid if Chelsea are unable to agree terms with Osimhen’s camp. It is clear that the player’s first choice is to stay in Europe. Anyway Napoli want Osimhen out so it’s either Chelsea or Saudi for the Nigerian.
IVAN TONEY TALKS
It was revealed that Maresca and Chelsea have a four men list for the striker positions and the top two are Osimhen and Ivan Toney. While talks with Osimhen’s camp are going on. Chelsea have made contacts with Brentford over the prospects of signing Toney. The rumoured fee according to football.london is around 50 million pounds. The 29 year old is much more cheaper option and also provides with valuable Premier League experience.
Chelsea could also use their interest in Toney as a ploy to get the Osimhen deal done. Let me explain. The Blues could be playing a game of brinkmanship to tempt Osimhen agree the personal terms. The world already knows that it is the best interests of Victor Osimhen to stay in Europe. His agent Robert Calenda stated that his client has lot to do in Europe. So by showing interest in alternative options like Ivan Toney and kick starting talks. Chelsea transfer tacticiants might be saying ‘look if you don’t sign for us soon enough we are going for Toney’ As it stands if CFC back off from the deal the only option left for the Nigerian is to go to Saudi Arabia.
MARESCA COMMENTS
Enzo Maresca during his post-match press conference of Chelsea’s victory against Servette in UECL, stumbled upon a few questions regarding their transfer plans. The match saw Marc Guiu miss a sitter in front of an open goal.
The reporter asked if they are going to sign a striker before the transfer window closes. For that the Italian manager replied by saying
“If we have [the] chance to bring a No 9 that can help us, we are going to try”
It clearly states that Maresca has given the green light to the prospects of signing a new striker, it may be Osimhen or someonw else. Exciting days ahead in the transfer window for Chelsea in terms of outgoing and incomings. The manager also went on to say
“We don’t need to sign players just for [the sake of] signing players. If we sign players that they are going to help us to improve, for sure we need players. Otherwise, we are happy in the way we are.”
This comment seems bizzare in the sense that despite having high overflow of wingers in the team Chelsea have shown interest in signing Man Utd outcast Jadon Sancho.
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