Todd Boehly's stance on Chelsea sealing Victor Osimhen transfer in January

18 November 2023 , 19:02

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Victor Osimhen of Napoli has been linked with a move to free-spending Chelsea amid their need for forward reinforcements in January (Image: Getty Images)

Todd Boehly' made an immediate impact at Chelsea after taking the reigns with a seismic splurge on signings but it appears that he will not repeat the feat with a move for Victor Osimhen in January.

The Blues chairman has spent over £1billion on 31 new additions since he and Clearlake Capital received the keys to Stamford Bridge back in May 2022. With Boehly having spent big in the last winter window on several acquisitions including Enzo Fernandez from Benfica, it has been speculated whether he will do so again in the next transfer window.

One potential target who has been mentioned as a player who could prove to be transformational for Chelsea is free-scoring Napoli striker Osimhen. Despite the Blues' spending in the last 18 months, Nicolas Jackson has been the club's only real recognised centre-forward at points this season amid injuries to Christopher Nkunku and Armando Broja.

However, it appears that Boehly and his partners will not be parting with another small fortune to land the services of Nigerian superstar Osimhen in January. According to Football.London, a move for Napoil's goalscoring hero is unlikely as things stand, with the Serie A champions likely to command a figure well in excess of £100million for their star man.

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Their report contends that Chelsea's need for reinforcements in this area of the pitch has been acknowledged within the club's hierarchy, however. One name that has purportedly been mentioned as a potential option for the Blues is that of Brentford's Ivan Toney.

The 27-year-old forward has been out of action so far this season amid his ban in relation to breaches of the FA's betting laws. Prior to his ban, the one-time England international scored 32 times in 66 Premier League appearances for the Bees over the course of two top flight campaigns.

Earlier in the season, Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino gave an honest response when asked about the need for fresh additions to his forward line. He said: "Football is really dynamic. Maybe we are thinking in a different way two weeks ago or three weeks ago.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has invested heavily in new players since assuming the reigns of the West London outfit (PA)

"Ready and working with the sporting directors and owners to try to be ready and the moment the transfer window is open, we can see if the team needs, if the squad needs to add some players in the position we are talking, an offensive position."

That said, former Chelsea defender William Gallas has already expressed the view that signing another forward could actually have a detrimental impact on the club's current forward options. He said : "Victor Osimhen joining Chelsea would harm the confidence of players like Nicolas Jackson.

"You have to be careful and really think about bringing in a new striker. As I said before, I think Chelsea should finish the season with Jackson and see how many goals he gets.

Gallas added: We also need to see how he improves. He has the quality to do so. Chelsea need to let Jackson get to work. I think Chelsea should stick with the squad they have. They've bought so many players, and the squad needs to get to know each other."

Tom Beattie