Nigeria Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Photo by IMAGO
Former Chelsea and Nigeria star Celestine Babayaro has urged the Blues to make a move for Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in the next transfer window, Soccernet.ng reports
Babayaro insists that the duo would significantly bolster Chelsea’s attack under Enzo Maresca.
The former Newcastle defender, who spent eight years at Stamford Bridge between 1997 and 2005, believes Osimhen and Lookman would be a perfect fit for Chelsea and could transform them into serious title contenders.
He also suggested that the club could use Nicolas Jackson in a swap deal to facilitate one of the transfers.
“Lookman and Osimhen would fit in perfectly at Chelsea,” Babayaro told AfricaFoot.
“It’s obvious they would have an immediate impact there if signed. Look, we’re talking about two of the best strikers in Europe right now. African players have always excelled at Chelsea, and these two would be no different.
“They would form the core of the club and make the team instant contenders. They’re also a good buy because they each have one year left on their contracts. In one of the deals, probably Osimhen’s, they could trade Jackson (Nicolas), which I think would be a smart move.”
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Lookman has been one of Atalanta’s standout performers this season, registering 18 goals and six assists in 31 appearances.
His fine form has attracted interest from top European clubs, with Liverpool, PSG, and Arsenal all reportedly monitoring his situation. With just a year left on his contract, Atalanta could be forced into selling the Nigerian winger this summer.
Osimhen, meanwhile, is set to return to Napoli once his loan spell at Galatasaray ends.
The 26-year-old striker has been in red-hot form, scoring 23 goals and providing five assists in 29 appearances for the Turkish giants.
However, his future remains uncertain, with several top clubs keen on his signature. Napoli are expected to demand a fee in excess of £70 million for their star forward.
Chelsea’s struggles in front of goal have been well-documented, and despite Nicolas Jackson showing glimpses of promise, the Blues remain in search of a prolific goalscorer.
With Christopher Nkunku’s fitness issues and Cole Palmer excelling in a more creative role, the addition of Osimhen and Lookman could provide Chelsea with the cutting edge they desperately need.
Babayaro’s endorsement of the Lookman and Osimhen – Nigeria’s latest winners of the Africa Footballer of the Year award – speaks to the duo’s quality.
With Chelsea expected to be active in the summer market, a move for either Lookman or Osimhen could be on the cards.
Whether the club will take Babayaro’s advice remains to be seen, but signing two of Africa’s top attacking talents would certainly make a statement ahead of the 2025-26 season.
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