Alternatives for Chelsea if Napoli rejects cash plus Lukaku for Osimhen
The transfer market noise surrounding Osimhen has started to grow louder and louder
Chelsea are reportedly desperate to win the race for Super Eagles and Napoli star Victor Osimhen and are hoping to include unneeded players like Romelu Lukaku in a bid for the striker.
The 24-year-old Nigerian forward has played a leading role for Luciano Spalletti’s side this season, scoring 16 goals and providing four assists across 17 Serie A games, helping Napoli take a commanding lead in the race for the Scudetto.
The transfer market noise surrounding Osimhen has started to grow louder and louder, with many now starting to expect a high-value auction in the upcoming summer transfer window.
As reported by 90min, Chelsea have started to focus on Osimhen in recent months, asking their scouts to send more detailed reports as they prepare to fight for his signature in the summer.
The Blues, backed by new owner Todd Boehly, are reportedly not concerned about the €150m figure being floated for the Nigerian striker, but are keen to include some players in the deal in order to lower the costs. One of these could be Lukaku, should Inter decide not to bring him back for next season.
But peradventure Chelsea bid fail, here are the alternatives to Osimhen.
Ivan Toney
Toney has impressed for Brentford in the Premier League and has taken his game to a new level this season. The English forward has scored 13 goals in 19 Premier League appearances this term, helping the Bees sit seventh in the table.
Toney would be a smart signing by Potter but the uncertainty over his future due to lingering betting charges from the FA mean a move may not be viable, despite the clear quality he possesses.
Randal Kolo Muani
The 24-year-old has scored 14 goals and provided a further 14 assists in 28 appearances across all competitions this term, showing a similar output to that of Nkunku last season. Kolo Muani has taken the Bundesliga by storm leading to interest from the Premier League.
The French striker's current deal isn't set to expire until 2027 with Eintracht Frankfurt holding out for a huge fee to let the talented forward leave.
Goncalo Ramos
Goncalo Ramos impressed for Portugal at the World Cup after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in the team. The striker has scored 18 goals in 28 appearances this term and continues to go from strength to strength.
His contract is set to expire in 2026 with Benfica showing that they will stand firm in their valuation of their best talents, highlighted by Joao Felix's £130million exit to Atletico Madrid, Darwin Nunez's £85million move to Liverpool and Enzo Fernandez's recent £106million move to Chelsea.
Marcus Thuram
Marcus Thuram is out of contract this summer and the Blues hold a long-term interest in the Frenchman after weighing up a move for him in the January transfer window. Thuram would be a good option due to his versatility and having scored 13 goals in 20 appearances, he has shown he is capable of scoring regularly.
The Frenchman averages a goal every three games for Borussia Monchengladbach but that may improve should he sign for Chelsea given the improvement in player quality around him.
Dusan Vlahovic
Dusan Vlahovic had been linked with a move to London last year with Arsenal pursuing a deal for the Serbian forward before he opted to sign for Juventus. Whilst he has scored the least amount of goals compared to the other names on the list of options available for the Blues, he is arguably just what Potter needs.
The Serbia international averaged a goal every other game for Fiorentina and is recording a similar tally for Juve. Vlahovic is a traditional No.9 who will be capable of finishing most chances that come his way inside the penalty box.
