Former Liverpool and Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson has thrown his support behind Chelsea’s potential pursuit of Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian forward, currently on loan from Napoli, has been linked with a host of clubs, but Johnson believes Chelsea should capitalize on his availability, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen, 25, was a hot target during the summer transfer window, with several top European clubs interested. However, no team was willing to meet his hefty €130 million release clause, leaving Osimhen unable to secure a move.
With Romelu Lukaku returning to Italy, Napoli opted to send Osimhen on loan to Galatasaray, where the Nigerian has been in stellar form under Okan Buruk.
Despite his loan move, Chelsea’s interest in Osimhen has not faded, as the club’s owner, Todd Boehly, continues to explore ways to enhance the squad and restore the Blues to the top of English football.
Glen Johnson is the latest former player to advocate for Chelsea’s pursuit of Osimhen. In a recent interview, the 40-year-old expressed his belief that the Blues should make a serious bid for the Nigerian striker.
“Osimhen going on loan to Galatasaray was crazy. Considering that he is available, it would be crazy for Chelsea not to try and sign Victor Osimhen,” Johnson stated in quotes revealed by Chelsea News.
Currently, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has relied on Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku as his primary striking options, with the duo having contributed 15 goals in 21 games across all competitions this season. However, Johnson believes Osimhen would be a significant upgrade, providing Chelsea with more firepower in their quest to regain domestic and European dominance.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea will make a move for Osimhen during the upcoming winter transfer window. However, given the club’s ambitions and Johnson’s backing, a potential deal for the Super Eagles star could dramatically shift the landscape at Stamford Bridge.