Victor Osimhen has been linked with a move to Everton (Getty Images)
As per French outlet Le10 Sport (h/t The Sun), Chelsea have made contact with Lille over the potential signing of Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer transfer window.
Osimhen, 21, was joined Wolfsburg in January 2017 but failed to make an impression in Germany. Thereafter, a loan move to Belgium with RSC Charleroi last season helped him regain confidence as he went on to score 20 goals. Following this, he earned a move to Lille last August.
He has been in sensational form for the French outfit, helping them reach the 4th position in the Ligue 1 standings. The Nigerian’s eye-catching display has attracted a lot of interest with Chelsea being the latest club keen on signing him, as per the report.
The Blues have done a decent job so far to stay in the race for Champions League qualification. They are currently fourth in the league table as Frank Lampard has managed to get the best out of the youngsters despite several of his key players getting injured.
However, Chelsea have been inconsistent on several occasions and one of the major reasons for that is the instability at the back. The defence has not fulfilled its potential and that has cost Lampard’s side a lot of points. But there have been some issues in the attacking unit also.
Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi have impressed but have struggled with injuries so far. Tammy Abraham has led the line brilliantly, scoring 13 goals in the league, making him Chelsea’s top scorer this season.
Apart from him, none of the centre-forwards have impressed the manager. Olivier Giroud has been pushed to the bench for the majority of the season and Michy Batshuayi has seen limited game time after failing to make use of the opportunities he received. Thus, Lampard should bring in reinforcements if Chelsea have to progress in further campaigns.
In that regard, signing Osimhen would be a good choice for the club. The Nigerian has banged in 18 goals in 38 games across all competitions while providing 6 assists so far. He is Lille’s leading goalscorer this term.
Young and dynamic, the 21-year-old would fit well into Lampard’s youthful team. The former Wolfsburg man would also add depth to the Blues’ attacking options, especially with Giroud’s contract expiring. Thus, adding him Osimhen to the squad would give the manager an extra option to choose from.
At 21, the Nigerian is at the right time to take his career to a higher level. And Chelsea are in dire need of strikers as both Giroud and Batshuayi have failed to take their chances. Thus, the Blues should make a prompt attempt to lure Osimhen to Stamford Bridge in the summer.