Victor Osimhen moves to top of Chelsea transfer wishlist as Maurico Pochettino eyes £100m Napoli star to solve No.9 problem

The Blues have been wasteful up front so far this campaign, with high-scoring matchups against Manchester City and Tottenham this month papering over weaknesses in their current frontline. A recent report from the Telegraph notes that Mauricio Pochettino is in the market for offensive reinforcements, and that Napoli sensation Osimhen heads his current shortlist of targets.

The Nigeria international fired the Partenopei to their first Scudetto in 33 years last season, scoring 26 league goals to become the first African player to win the Serie A golden boot. This term, however, relationships with Napoli have soured over the club's baffling decision to upload a video to their TikTok page which had clear racist undertones. Osimhen's representatives are thought to be threatening legal action for that offence. As a result of said dispute, The Telegraph notes that the 24-year-old would be open to a move to Chelsea.

The two clubs share a link thanks to their deal for Kalidou Koulibaly, who was sold to Saudi side Al-Hilal in the summer. Koulibaly is also thought to be a vital player in any deal made with the Blues, as the Senegalese is still close friends with Osimhen.

If Osimhen were to make the move to Stamford Bridge, it would be unlikely to materialise in the upcoming January window. Napoli value the player at £100m, meaning Chelsea would likely have to break the record £106.8m paid for Enzo Fernandez nine months ago - funds that may not be afforded to Pochettino again this winter. Nevertheless, the Argentine sees a striker as a long-term position to fill, with Osimhen earmarked as the man to solve the Blues' scoring problems.