Chelsea have been residence to quite a few elite-level strikers over time, serving to the membership cement themselves as a top-end Premier League outfit.
Didier Drogba and Diego Costa have undoubtedly been two of essentially the most profitable forwards within the membership’s latest historical past – capturing the hearts of the fanbase with their all-round abilities in ahead areas.
Nonetheless, in 2024, the membership lack that form of presence up entrance, with Nicolas Jackson a striker who likes to play on the shoulder reasonably than as a participant who can maintain the ball up and convey different teammates into play.
The membership tried to fight such a difficulty over the summer time switch window, however have been unable to safe any new additions. They aimed to safe a transfer for one participant however ultimately missed out on a deal after long-standing curiosity within the centre-forward.
Chelsea’s curiosity in Victor Osimhen this summer time
After wanting a departure from Italian facet Napoli following the switch of Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku, the Blues have been within the race to signal Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
The 25-year-old has been a relentless supply of objectives for the Serie A facet, scoring 76 occasions in his 133 appearances for the membership – a mean of 0.6 objectives per sport throughout his four-year stint.
Nonetheless, Enzo Maresca’s facet weren’t in a position to safe a deal for the striker, with the Blues in a fixed battle with Saudi Arabian facet Al-Ahli over a transfer for Osimhen.
Neither facet secured a everlasting switch for the Nigerian, because the striker moved to Galatasaray on a season-long mortgage after the closure of the window in England and Saudi.
He would’ve value the Blues an enormous sum, probably affecting their present PSR standing, however undoubtedly would have supplied that added high quality that the membership have been crying out for.
Nonetheless, the membership might have made a mistake in permitting one participant to go away Stamford Bridge, with the striker discovering his toes within the Premier League lately.
Chelsea’s Dominic Solanke remorse
After coming by the membership’s academy, striker Dominic Solanke had actual excessive hopes of being a hit in West London, scoring 35 objectives at youth degree and profitable the 2015 FA Youth Cup within the course of.
Nonetheless, he would solely make one first-team look for the Blues, that includes for a complete of 17 minutes, earlier than leaving for Liverpool in a measly £3m deal throughout Antonio Conte‘s reign in 2017.
Solanke’s profession has taken a pointy upturn after his departure from Stamford Bridge, starring for Bournemouth within the Premier League, incomes him a £65m transfer to Tottenham Hotspur this summer time.
The switch comes after the Englishman netted 21 objectives in all competitions final season, a tally increased than summer time goal Osimhen, who might solely register 17 objectives for the Italian facet.
|
Premier League’s prime goalscorers – 2023/24 marketing campaign |
|
|---|---|
|
Participant |
Tally |
|
Erling Haaland |
27 |
|
Cole Palmer |
22 |
|
Alexander Isak |
21 |
|
Dominic Solanke |
19 |
|
Phil Foden |
19 |
|
Ollie Watkins |
19 |
|
Stats by way of FotMob |
|
Given his latest success away from the membership, Chelsea should remorse permitting such a medical striker to go away the membership for a tiny price early on in his growth.
Maresca might’ve benefitted from Solanke in 2024, with the 26-year-old’s eye for aim undoubtedly enhancing the choices out there at his disposal.
Nonetheless, it can stay a case of what might have been for the Blues, with Solanke’s expertise enhancing rivals Spurs and probably dealing the membership a blow in their very own hunt for Champions League qualification below Maresca this season.
