Former Chelsea star Florent Maloud* believes his old club can challenge Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool for the Premier League title this season—if they secure the signing of Victor Osimhen in the January transfer window.
The Napoli striker, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has been a long-term target for Chelsea, and Malouda insists that Osimhen’s arrival would elevate manager Enzo Maresca’s side to serious title contenders.
Despite predictions of a difficult first season under Maresca, Chelsea have made an impressive start, collecting 14 points from their first seven matches and climbing to fourth place in the Premier League. Only reigning champions Manchester City have scored more goals than Chelsea this season, but Malouda believes that the addition of a proven goal-scorer like Osimhen would significantly boost their attacking firepower.
Chelsea’s Missed Opportunity and Potential Move
Chelsea have been linked with the Nigerian striker for several years and even sent representatives to Naples over the summer in an attempt to sign him. However, Osimhen moved to Galatasaray on loan instead, leaving Chelsea still in search of a top striker.
Malouda has urged the club to reignite their pursuit of Osimhen, who scored 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli, calling him a player who could immediately transform the club’s prospects.
“We almost signed Victor Osimhen in the summer, and he is the type of player that would add extra quality to this Chelsea team,” Malouda said. “If there is an opportunity to bring him in in January, then I think the club has to look at it. From what I’ve read, he will cost less than the numbers quoted in the summer—the fee is reportedly around £70m.”
He added, “Chelsea should be competing for the world’s best players. Osimhen is in that category.”
A Potential Game-Changer for Chelsea
Malouda, who made 229 appearances for the Blues and won both the Premier League and Champions League with the club, believes that Osimhen could be the missing piece in Chelsea’s title challenge this season. He also emphasized that signing the Nigerian would send a strong message to the club’s Premier League rivals.
“If Chelsea signed him, then I think we could say for certain that his quality would put **Chelsea** right into the title race,” he said. “If Chelsea can stay within touching distance of the top of the table, then adding Osimhen to the squad in January would give the fans and the club a really exciting second half to the season.”
Looking Ahead to the Next Fixture
Chelsea will be aiming to extend their strong run of form when they face league leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. A win could further solidify their growing reputation as genuine title contenders, with fans eagerly hoping that a move for Osimhen in January could add the final spark to their campaign.