Chelsea emerge as major contenders to land in-demand striker this summer

Chelsea will look to return to winning ways when they welcome Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon. 

The Villans travel to the capital to face The Blues, whose form has improved recently following a disastrous run of results.

Graham Potter found himself under immense pressure following a run of just two wins in 15 Premier League games over a period of several months, but Chelsea have won three and drawn one of their last four matches across all competitions.

That short run has eased the pressure on Potter, and it appears that those in charge of the club are now looking ahead to the summer.

As per The Evening Standard, the west London club have emerged as serious contenders to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer.

The report claims that Osimhen has a childhood affinity with The Blues and idolised Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, which puts the London side in good stead to beat a number of other clubs to his signature this summer.

The 24-year-old has been in sensational form this season, scoring 25 goals and providing five assists in 29 matches across all competitions.

Osimhen is said to have supported Chelsea as a youngster

The Nigeria international has netted 21 league goals to help propel Napoli to the top of the Serie A table.

Osimhen joined Napoli from French club lille in 2020, and has since scored 53 goals in 91 matches for the Italian side.

Chelsea have struggled to score goals this term and could therefore look to sign a new striker when the transfer window reopens this summer, although they do still have Belgium international Romelu Lukaku on the books.

Kai Havertz is currently Chelsea’s highest scorer so far this season, but the German has only netted nine times in 36 appearances across all competitions.

Chelsea’s tally of 29 Premier League goals so far this term is higher than only seven other clubs, all of whom are currently in a relegation battle.

Manchester United, meanwhile, are in the market for a new striker and have been interested in Osimhen since he was at former club Lille, although The Red Devils are also interested in Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane.