By Daily Sports Nigeria on May 9, 2025

Former Chelsea player Florent Malouda has advised the Blues to pay whatever it takes to push through a transfer for Victor Osimhen, as Premier League rivals Liverpool have also shortlisted the Nigerian striker for a potential summer move, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Chelsea were heavily linked with a move for the Nigerian international striker in the summer of 2024, when it became apparent that he would be heading for the exits at Napoli, but there was no deal eventually.

After seeing a move to the Saudi Pro League also fail, the striker is currently enjoying a loan spell at Galatasaray, with most of his previous suitors still holding keen interest in him. Osimhen has scored 33 goals across all competitions in Turkey, and Chelsea remains in the market for a proven No.9.

According to reports from talkSPORT, the Reds are weighing up their options between three of Europe’s most prolific forwards: Viktor Gyökeres, Benjamin Šeško, and the newest name added to their radar is Osimhen.

With the multiple interests in the 26-year-old, Malouda feels Chelsea need a striker of Osimhen’s pedigree.

Malouda told Racing Tipster when asked if Osimhen is the ideal upgrade on Nicolas Jackson, “Yes. Just like Arsenal, we need a striker who scores 20 or more a season. Osimhen is the kind of player who can do that. I think the issue for Chelsea is how much he’ll cost and what wages he wants. That can be sorted out.

“But we definitely need experienced players who can also give options in the way we are playing. So I think it should try to close the deal as soon as possible because there are reportedly a lot of clubs that are looking at him.

“The links with Chelsea are strong. We’ve had brilliant African footballers in the past, and Osimhen can be the next generation of African players at Chelsea. I would love to see him join the club. I think he would be an excellent signing. I also think he would help someone like Nicolas Jackson improve.”

Osimhen has also been linked with a Premier League adventure at Manchester United, but the Red Devils are said to have been put off by his salary demands.

Galatasaray are also in the race to keep the on-loan striker, who is tied to a contract at parent club Napoli until the summer of 2026, but he is definitely leaving the Italian side this summer.

Napoli’s Serie A rivals, Juventus, have also named Osimhen as a summer target.

Source Punch Ng

Posted May 9, 2025

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