The summer transfer window has opened, and Chelsea is expected to be highly active, especially before the initial deadline on June 10th.
Reports, including one by David Ornstein of The Athletic, indicate that Liam Delap is close to signing for Chelsea. Personal terms are said to be agreed, a medical is scheduled for Monday, and the Blues have reportedly agreed to pay his £30 million release clause.
The 22-year-old forward would therefore be eligible to debut for Chelsea relatively soon, as their FIFA Club World Cup campaign is set to begin on June 16th against Los Angeles FC in Atlanta.
However, might Chelsea introduce another new striker around the time of this match?
Chelsea`s Pursuit of Another Striker
Widespread reports, including in the Nigerian Daily Post, suggest that Victor Osimhen`s representatives are `working` on facilitating a move to Chelsea this summer.
Quotes attributed to Peter Okoye, a close associate of Osimhen, mention that last summer, both he and former Chelsea player John Obi Mikel `made every effort` to bring Osimhen to the club.
A year later, it`s reported that they `remain steadfast` in this objective and `will continue efforts` during the current transfer window.
Following the conclusion of the season, the 26-year-old is now back with Napoli. His record for I Partenopei stands at 76 goals in 133 appearances, having been the Capocannoniere (top scorer) in Serie A during their 2022/23 title-winning season – the club`s first Scudetto in 33 years.
Last summer, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis valued Osimhen at €130 million (approximately £110 million), aiming to spark a bidding war. However, with no significant offers materializing before the end of most European transfer windows, the Nigerian forward spent the last season on loan at Turkish Süper Lig club Galatasaray.
Current reports suggest he might be available for £60 million. This raises the question of whether he could soon trade Istanbul for Stamford Bridge.
How Victor Osimhen Could Strengthen Chelsea
There`s little doubt that Osimhen is considered one of the top strikers globally.
During his season at Galatasaray, he proved prolific, scoring 37 goals in 41 appearances, averaging a goal approximately every 87 minutes.
Of these goals, 26 were in the Süper Lig, rated the 18th strongest league globally by Global Football Rankings, helping the Istanbul club secure a record 25th league title. He also scored six goals in seven Europa League matches, including two against Tottenham in November.
Youssef Maaoui of Talent Football Scout highlighted Osimhen`s physical attributes and goal-scoring ability, calling him a `fast and imposing striker` with `elite goal-scoring instincts` and `one of the most exciting and unique talents` in the sport.
Additionally, Jack Chippendale of Total Football Analysis noted Osimhen`s role as the `focal point` for Galatasaray`s attack, which resulted in him taking a high number of shots. Journalist Paolo Esposito famously described him as `superhuman`.
So, how do Osimhen and potential future teammate Delap compare?
| Osimhen vs Delap 2024/25 Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | Osimhen | Delap |
| Appearances | 41 | 40 |
| Minutes | 3,236 | 2,670 |
| Goals | 37 | 12 |
| Assists | 8 | 2 |
| Shots per 90 | 5.62 | 2.28 |
| Shots on target % | 42.7% | 43.3% |
| Big chances missed | 43 | 10 |
| Big chances created | 12 | 3 |
| Shot-creating actions | 25 | 62 |
| % of aerials duels won | 63.6% | 42.6% |
| Touches per 90 | 29 | 28 |
| % of touches in opposition box | 37% | 13% |
| Average Sofascore rating | 7.72 | 6.85 |
When comparing these two players, it`s important to acknowledge that Osimhen played for a dominant team in a less competitive league this season, whereas Delap was with a recently relegated Premier League side. This context somewhat influences their statistics.
However, even considering this, the data provides valuable insights.
The statistics highlight that neither player is heavily involved in build-up play. Osimhen`s rate of 5.62 shots per 90 minutes is remarkably high; he even averaged 7.32 shots per 90 in the Europa League this season, significantly more than any other player.
