How Chelsea Striker’s Major Decision Could Impact Victor Osimhen’s Summer Transfer Plans

How Chelsea Striker’s Major Decision Could Impact Victor Osimhen’s Summer Transfer Plans

  • Christopher Nkunku is set to leave Chelsea this summer after injury-plagued seasons at Stamford Bridge
  • The French forward’s departure paves the way for Chelsea to intensify their pursuit of Victor Osimhen
  • Galatasaray striker Osimhen could lead a new-look Chelsea attack under Enzo Maresca

Big changes are brewing at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku is reportedly set to leave the club this summer, just two seasons after his highly anticipated arrival from RB Leipzig.

This surprising development could be the spark that ignites Chelsea’s long-pursued move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.

Chelsea, Nkunku, Osimhen, EPL
Christopher Nkunku has disclosed that he is leaving Chelsea at the end of the season despite having four more years on his current contract. Photo by NurPhoto
Source: Getty Images

Nkunku’s journey at Chelsea never quite hit the heights expected.

Signed for £52 million in 2023 and touted as a key figure in Chelsea’s attacking revolution, the French international showed glimpses of brilliance.

Unfortunately, a string of injuries across two seasons derailed the Frenchman’s momentum, restricting him to just 38 Premier League appearances and 6 goals.

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Napoli agree to sell Victor Osimhen to Saudi Arabian giants for €65 million

Reports from Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg confirm that Nkunku has made up his mind to depart Chelsea this summer, while still under contract until 2029, talks are already underway regarding his exit.

Chelsea are reportedly open to offers for the French forward, hoping to recoup part of the hefty investment made in the 26-year-old.

Osimhen's move gains momentum

Nkunku’s expected departure opens the door for Chelsea to ramp up their interest in Victor Osimhen, a name that has been heavily linked with the Blues for several months.

Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray, Chelsea
Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring his 33rd goal of the season for Galatasaray in their 5-1 win against Sivasspor. Photo by Anadolu
Source: Getty Images

The Napoli striker, currently on loan at Galatasaray, has long been on Chelsea’s radar, and with an attacking vacancy now confirmed, Osimhen’s arrival feels more imminent than ever, Football London reports.

Chelsea’s need for a consistent goal-scorer has been glaring, and the 26-year-old forward, with his physical presence, speed, and clinical finishing, fits the bill perfectly.

Read also

Manchester United make U-turn, reopen deal to sign Victor Osimhen

The Nigerian international has continued to impress in Galatasaray this season after netting his 33rd goal of the campaign per Transfermarkt, making him a prime target for top clubs looking to bolster Chelsea’s attack.

Perfect timing for a Chelsea rebuild

With Enzo Maresca reportedly planning a major summer rebuild, Nkunku’s departure aligns with the club’s vision for a new attacking setup.

Osimhen could become the centrepiece of Chelsea’s new era, offering the kind of power, durability, and goal-scoring consistency that has eluded the club since the departure of Didier Drogba.

Moreover, Chelsea’s willingness to spend big remains no secret as Napoli are expected to demand a fee in the region of £65 million for Osimhen, and with Nkunku’s wages and transfer value potentially freeing up space, the Blues may now have the leverage they need.

For Chelsea fans, this development may sting in the short term but could pave the way for something far more exciting in the long run, an Osimhen-led attack that brings back the fear factor at Stamford Bridge.

Read also

Manchester United get Victor Osimhen transfer boost as Ruben Amorim makes key decision

Osimhen breaks personal best record

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Osimhen scored two goals for Galatasaray in the first half against Sivasspor on matchday 34 of the Turkish Super League at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex in Istanbul on May 3, 2025.

Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira continued his impressive goalscoring run, opening the scoring in the ninth minute.

The Super Eagles forward scored an opportunistic goal in the 15th minute, firing home from inside the box after Gabriel Sara’s initial shot hit the inside of the goalpost.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Chukwu Ikechukwu avatar

Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor) Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu earned his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the University of Port Harcourt in 2016. Email: Chukwu.ikechukwu@corp.legit.ng