'First contacts': Chelsea eye swap deal for £77m striker who has scored 16 goals this season - journalist
05/05/2024 10:15
Chelsea are eyeing a swap deal for a striker who has scored 16 goals this season, according to a recent report.
The Blues have been heavy spenders in the transfer window since Todd Boehly’s takeover in 2022 and that is expected to continue this summer.
Mauricio Pochettino‘s side are languishing in eighth and it’s become pretty evident that despite a number of additions, they’ll need to strengthen again.
Nicolas Jackson has netted double figures in the Premier League but still, there remain question marks around him.
That said, Chelsea have been linked with a possible replacement ahead of the fast-approaching transfer window.
Chelsea plot move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen
Chelsea are eying a move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and are carrying out checks on the possibility of a swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku, according to Di Marzio.
There have been ‘first contacts’ for Osimhen and a fee of between £68-77m has been mooted with Lukaku and a young player included.
It has not been confirmed who the youngster is, but at this stage, the two parties are just discussing feasibility.
Osimhen has netted 16 goals in 25 starts this season, which is a commendable return given his injury issues and AFCON commitments.
The Nigeria international is also the subject of interest from French giants Paris Saint-Germain, who are expected to provide stiff competition for his signature.
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Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney
It would appear, that Chelsea have prioritised the signings of either Osimhen or Ivan Toney, so which striker would be the better option?
Well, Toney, 28, is three years older and is already proven in the Premier League, though, he’s not been in great form of late.
The Brentford striker has failed to find the back of the net in any of his last 10 outings and hasn’t quite returned from his ban in the same vein as form.
Meanwhile, Osimhen has enjoyed a productive season despite injuries and a mid-season break to go to AFCON, so he’s certainly the more in-form player.
Plus, given his age, the West Londoners would likely get more years out of him, so perhaps he’d be a better value-for-money addition.
Anyhow, a telling summer awaits Chelsea.
