Rumour Mills: Malouda Backs Osimhen as ideal striker signing for Chelsea

By Wale Mustapha

Former France international and Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has endorsed Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen as the ideal signing to solve Chelsea’s attacking struggles.

Malouda, who spent five seasons at Stamford Bridge, said Osimhen would be a perfect fit for the Blues, citing his scoring ability and experience as key assets.

“The [Osimhen] links with Chelsea are strong. We’ve had brilliant African footballers in the past, and Osimhen can be the next generation of African players at Chelsea,” Malouda told Racing Tipster.

“I would love to see him join the club. I think he would be an excellent signing. I also think he would help someone like Nicolas Jackson improve.”

Chelsea are reportedly in the market for a proven striker after a disappointing season from current No. 9 Nicolas Jackson, and Osimhen is one of several targets being considered by new manager Enzo Maresca.

Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, was close to a move to Stamford Bridge last summer, but the deal collapsed due to high wage demands.

Malouda added that Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess would make a significant difference for the club.

“We [Chelsea] need a striker that scores 20 or more a season. Osimhen is the kind of player who can do that,” he said.

Osimhen, a key figure for the Super Eagles, remains one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe and is expected to be a headline figure in the summer transfer window.