Chelsea could save millions by signing Club Brugge starlet Antonio Nusa over Victor Osimhen in January. The Blues are on the lookout for a new striker in the winter transfer window and have reportedly identified the 18-year-old as an excellent addition to their squad.
That is according to the Evening Standard, who report that the west Londoners are weighing up a move for the youngster – although he is viewed as more of a wide player. Osimhen remains Chelsea’s top target upfront but he won’t come cheap.
Napoli have slapped a £100million asking price on the Nigerian goal-machine, who is said to be open to making the switch to Stamford Bridge. Osimhen found the back of the net 26 times in 32 Serie A games for Napoli last season and is off to a flying start to the 2023/2024 campaign with six goals in eight appearances.
The 24-year-old ticks all the boxes for what Chelsea are looking for down the middle, however, it is unlikely Napoli will let him go halfway through the season meaning Chelsea may instead look to snap up Nusa in January for a fraction of the price.
Despite his age, Nusa is already a 4-cap Norweigen senior international and a regular starter for Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge. The teenager can play right across the front three but has mostly been deployed at left wing.
Mauricio Pochettino is understood to be a keen admirer of the player with reports in Spain claiming that the Argentine has requested Chelsea sign Nusa in January. Club Brugge want £25.7m for his services which could prove to be an excellent coup in years to come given his lofty potential.
Another striker who is reportedly on Chelsea’s shortlist is Ivan Toney. The Brentford star is coming to the end of his eight-month ban for breaching Premier League betting rules and is set to return to action on January 16.
Brentford are open to letting him go in the New Year but for no less than £80m. The Bees’ asking price is particularly steep considering the player only has eighteen months remaining on his deal. Their hefty valuation could prove to be a stumbling block for potential suitors including Chelsea.
