According to sources in France, Chelsea club officials have made an inquiry regarding the purchase of Nigerian wonderkid Victor Osimhen from LOSC Lille.
With aims to bolster their attacking line, the Blues have monitored Osimhen throughout his breakthrough season in Ligue 1.
Chelsea Make Contact With Lille Over Frontman Victor Osimhen
Breakthrough Season for Osimhen
Following his stand-out season in the North of France prior to the postponement of world football, Osimhen managed to grab 18 goals from 38 games in all competitions, setting himself firmly on top of Lille’s top goalscorer list, and subsequently joint 4th in the Ligue 1 Golden Boot race.
Osimhen is also very highly regarded in his native Nigeria, grabbing four goals from his eight international caps which included appearances in the 2019 African Cup of Nations.
The 2015 African Youth Player of the Year, where he won his Golden Boot & Silver Ball winning performances at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile – a tournament which Nigeria ultimately went on to win – announced himself to the World Stage.
Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo even dubbed him: ‘’The future of Nigerian football,” whilst also adding: “He’s going to break so many records in Europe & Nigeria.”
Good Deal for Both Sides?
With good relations between Chelsea and Lille stemming from the transfers of Eden & Thorgan Hazard in 2012, the deal looks likely to take place.
Interest from both Real Madrid & Manchester United did take place earlier in the year, however, Chelsea looks the likely suitors to secure the 21-year-olds sought after signature.
Following Lille’s purchase of Osimhen from Belgian side Charleroi for just €12m in August 2019, the French outfit is expected to make a whopping profit on this young star.
It is likely that the transfer of Osimhen to Chelsea will garner even more money than the €80m Lille received for another highly tipped player in their ranks, a certain Nicolas Pepe to Arsenal last summer.
A possible win-win situation for both Chelsea and Lille.
What Does He Bring to the Table?
A natural goalscorer with an instinctive eye for goal, Osimhen has struck fear into Ligue 1 defences throughout the calendar year.
At just 21-years-old, Osimhen shows no signs of slowing down as his fearless attitude and lighting pace will no doubt bolster Chelsea’s somewhat ‘underperforming’ attacking line from this season.
Gaining experience in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, and as stated, in both Ligue 1 and on the international stage, the young Osimhen may find it easier to adapt to Premier League than other youngsters who have made this often treacherous move.
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