Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit believes Victor Osimhen has the character and mentality to end the club’s long-running struggles to find a reliable number nine, insisting the Nigerian could follow in the footsteps of Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have struggled for consistency in the centre-forward position since Drogba’s departure, with several high-profile signings failing to establish themselves as long-term solutions.
Osimhen, who is currently at Galatasaray following his spell at Napoli, has been widely linked with a future move to the Premier League, with Chelsea among the clubs reportedly monitoring his situation.
Petit said he had expected the Nigeria international to move to England after leaving Italy and expressed surprise that he opted for Turkey instead.
“Victor Osimhen is doing well with Galatasaray but when he left Napoli, I was hoping that he was going to come to the Premier League, I have no idea why he chose Galatasaray,” he said on Andy’s Bet Club as quoted by Goal.
He added that Chelsea’s struggles in attack since Drogba point to a deeper issue, but believes Osimhen has the qualities to change that trend.
“Since Drogba, I think there’s been a curse around the number nine at Chelsea. I think it’s different with Osimhen because this guy has a really big personality and character, he could be the man to break that curse.”
Petit also praised Osimhen’s playing style, describing him as physically demanding for defenders and mentally strong enough to handle pressure at the highest level.
“The way he plays on the pitch is a pain for defenders. This guy is very aggressive. He has something to prove. After he left France for Napoli, he did great in Italy. But then he was fighting with the president of Napoli, and then he went to Galatasaray,” he said.
“I think Osimhen has many seasons to play at the highest level. So I think that could be something very, very good for the Premier League. I think he has the character, the personality, and the background to play in the Premier League.”
Osimhen only completed a permanent move to Galatasaray last summer, but speculation over a future switch to England continues, with Chelsea still seeking a long-term solution to their striking problems.
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