Renowned former World Cup winner and Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has urged the Blues to make a move for an experienced centre-forward in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Since Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali took over at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea has been splurging money left, right, and center, with over £1bn spent on transfer fees under their ownership. Despite this extravagant spending, the success on the pitch has been lacking, with only a late-season resurgence last year securing a top-six finish and a place in the Europa Conference League.
Nicolas Jackson emerged as Chelsea’s primary striker last season after his arrival from Villarreal, scoring a respectable 17 goals across all competitions. However, he has faced criticism for his lack of killer instinct and penchant for yellow cards.
The Blues currently have six center-forwards on their roster, including Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja, Marc Guiu, Deivid Washington, and David Datro Fofana. Lukaku and Broja are expected to depart this summer, leaving the team in need of reinforcements up top.
Speaking to Sports Mole with BetVictor, Petit, who represented Chelsea in 76 matches between 2000 and 2004, stressed the importance of signing a proven number nine. He also highlighted the return of Christopher Nkunku but expressed doubts about his suitability as a striker.
“Definitely [they need a striker], but don’t forget that Nkunku is back. I’m not sure that he is best as a striker; they need to bring in a proper striker,” Petit emphasized. “Someone that can finish actions and be present in the penalty area and bring a physical presence as well.”
The 53-year-old continued, “They can be very good in terms of asking for the ball in behind the defenders. Nkunku at the moment is doing well, but this is not his best position; his best is right behind the strikers.”
Despite having Lukaku, an established center-forward, Chelsea seems eager to part ways with him, with rumors suggesting a potential swap deal with Napoli for Victor Osimhen. The deal would see Osimhen join Chelsea for £39m, plus Lukaku and young midfielder Cesare Casadei heading the other way.
In addition to Osimhen, Brentford’s Ivan Toney, Lille’s Jonathan David, and Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez have been identified as alternative options for Chelsea. However, the Blues’ interest in Toney appears to have waned, leaving the club to explore other avenues in their search for an experienced striker.
