Osimhen, Toney & Openda: The striking superstars that are topping Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea wishlist

Putting in another downbeat performance on Sunday afternoon as they slumped to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Everton, it is no secret that Chelsea are in the midst of an extended Premier League crisis.

Missing out on booking any kind of European finish last season and coming under a huge amount of scrutiny, there was plenty of optimism around Stamford Bridge over the summer that Mauricio Pochettino would be able to steady the ship in west London.

However, once again falling out the top-half of the Premier League table and needing a major miracle in their bid to book a European return, the former Tottenham boss has made it abundantly clear that he is expected to be backed during January’s transfer window.

Despite breaking a string of financial records since Todd Bohley’s takeover was confirmed last year, it has been suggested that Pochettino has a new striking star at the top of his January wishlist.

With summer recruit Nicolas Jackson failing to find any kind of fluidity since arriving at Stamford Bridge, we have taken a look at three of the all-star number nines that have been linked with a switch to SW6.

Victor Osimhen – Napoli

With Napoli storming their way to a first Serie A crown since 1990 last season, it was attacking talisman Victor Osimhen who certainly proved to be the difference maker in the Azzurri’s history-making campaign in Naples.

Bagging 26 Serie A strikes in his 32 appearances last season, the Nigerian international quickly gained a reputation as one of Europe’s most clinical marksmen.

However, while the Napoli hierarchy might have made it clear over the summer that they were unwilling to part ways with their record-breaking ace, it appears that Osimhen is keen on forcing a move away from the reigning Italian champions.

At the heart of a public battle with Napoli back in September and even threatening legal action against the Azzurri, Osimhen has continuously been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over the past few months.

Despite notching just six domestic strikes this season, GOAL are reporting that Chelsea are once again willing to smash their transfer record to clinch the 24-year-old’s signature next month.

Chelsea could break their transfer record again for Victor Osimhen in January 🤑

— GOAL News (@GoalNews) December 9, 2023

Ivan Toney – Brentford

While Ivan Toney might not have made a single Premier League appearance for Brentford after being hit with an eight-month ban back in May, the England international has a string of heavyweight admirers.

Set to make his return on January 17th and with just a month left before he can make a first top-flight appearance of the campaign, Toney will now have his sights set on booking a spot in Gareth Southgate’s EURO 24 squad.

Enjoying a major Premier League purple patch last season after notching 20 domestic strikes, the one-time Newcastle starlet has previously hinted at his desire to test himself at the highest level.

However, although Arsenal might have remained heavily linked with a move for the 27-year-old, it has been suggested that Pochettino is a huge admirer of Brentford’s attacking superstar.

Although Thomas Frank might have stated that he is eager to tie the one-cap international down to a new deal, The Daily Mail have suggested that the Bees would be willing to negotiate should an acceptable offer arrive at their door.

Ivan Toney has been directly involved in more Premier League goals this season (22) than Darwin Nuñez and Kai Havertz combined (19).

Guess who has not been nominated for #TOTS pic.twitter.com/EdDK36P4Hm

— Squawka (@Squawka) April 17, 2023

Lois Openda – RB Leipzig

Storming their way to an action-packed 3-2 victory away at Borussia Dortmund over the weekend and punching their Champions League knockout stage ticket with time to spare, RB Leipzig have continued to impress many across the continent since opening up the 2023/24 campaign.

While one-time Barcelona starlet Xavi Simons might have made an immediate impact since arriving at the Red Bull Arena over the summer, it has been the red-hit Lois Openda who have been Marco Rose’s standout performer this season.

Really hitting the ground running since completing a €43million move from Lens back in July, the Belgium international has already bagged 10 strikes in his first 14 Bundesliga appearances.

Now receiving 12 international caps since bursting onto the scene last season, Openda it has been suggested that all of England’s elite are eyeing a potential swoop.

Alongside the likes of Manchester United, Fichajes are reporting that Chelsea are keeping a close eye on Openda’s situation at Leipzig and have sent scouts to watch the 23-year-old on multiple occasions.

🇧🇪🤩 Loïs Openda is continuing his fine form from last season… class numbers! 📊 pic.twitter.com/5BYWMLKeDz

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) December 3, 2023