Former Chelsea and France midfielder Emmanuel Petit urges the Blues to sign an experienced centre-forward amid links with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
Former World Cup winner and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has implored the Blues to sign an experienced centre-forward in the summer transfer market.
The West London giants have been handing out cheque after cheque since Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali assumed office at Stamford Bridge, spending over £1bn in transfer fees during their tenure.
However, Chelsea’s cash-splashing has not translated into success on the field, and only an end-of-season revival last term saw them sneak into the top six and seal a spot in the Europa Conference League.
Nicolas Jackson was Chelsea’s main focal point last season following his arrival from Villarreal and registered a respectable 17 goals in all tournaments, albeit while also being criticised for a lack of ruthlessness and penchant for yellow cards.
Jackson is one of six centre-forwards in the Blues’ ranks alongside Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja, Marc Guiu, Deivid Washington and David Datro Fofana, but the former two are expected to leave this summer, while the latter three are all in the earliest stages of their careers.
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Emmanuel Petit calls on Chelsea to sign striker amid Christopher Nkunku praise
Despite their staggering spending summer after summer, the distinct lack of an experienced striker is still apparent at Stamford Bridge as Enzo Maresca prepares for his first full season in charge of the club.
Speaking to Sports Mole with BetVictor, Petit – who played 76 times for the Blues between 2000 and 2004 – urged the Blues to focus on signing an out-and-out number nine but also talked up the return of Christopher Nkunku.
The 26-year-old played just 14 times for Chelsea in his debut season due to injury, although Petit does not believe that Nkunku is a solution to the Blues’ woes at the tip of the attack.
“Definitely [they need a striker] but don’t forget that Nkunku is back. I’m not sure that he is best as a striker, they need to bring in a proper striker,” the 53-year-old said.
“Someone that can finish actions and be present in the penalty area and bring a physical presence as well. They can be very good in terms of asking for the ball in behind the defenders. Nkunku at the moment is doing well but this is not his best position, his best is right behind the strikers.”
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Which experienced strikers can Chelsea target?
While Chelsea already have one seasoned centre-forward in their ranks in the shape of Lukaku, it is clear that neither he nor the club wish to continue their partnership for much longer.
As the Belgian is pining for a reunion with new Napoli manager Antonio Conte – the feeling is mutual on the Italian’s side – rumours have naturally swirled surrounding a part-exchange deal for Victor Osimhen, the 2022-23 Serie A top scorer.
Reports have now claimed that Chelsea are close to a three-way swap deal for the Nigerian, who will join Maresca’s ranks in exchange for £39m, Lukaku and young midfielder Cesare Casadei.
Brentford’s Ivan Toney could prove to be a slightly cheaper option, as might Lille’s Jonathan David and Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez, but the Blues’ interest in the former appears to have cooled.