BREAKING NEWS: Here are the shirt numbers that could be available to Victor Osimhen at Chelsea, as transfer negotiations continue this summer.
Victor Osimhen has a compelling reason to pursue a loan transfer from Napoli to Chelsea this summer. The Nigerian international has been frequently linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent years, though it has mostly remained as strong interest without much progression.
However, this situation seemed to shift significantly before the summer window, as Chelsea cooled their interest and shifted focus to other targets. Players like Jhon Duran, Jonathan David, and Samu Omorodion were approached by Chelsea, but now it appears they have come back to considering a deal for Osimhen.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea is engaged in negotiations not only for a permanent transfer of Romelu Lukaku but also for a season-long loan of Osimhen with an option to buy. Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has dismissed claims of a loan move, which could have been a strategy to generate interest and secure the best possible deal for his client.
If Chelsea manages to secure Osimhen in a striker swap, it would be a smart move, especially given their £37 million asking price for Lukaku. Osimhen also has a personal motivation to join Chelsea, inspired by the success of fellow African Didier Drogba at the club.
Additionally, his preferred shirt number is available. After Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure in the summer of 2023, the No.9 jersey is open, a number Osimhen wore in Italy.
However, Osimhen, at 25, might opt for a different number, considering the challenges previous strikers have faced with the No.9 shirt. If he does decide to change, several alternatives are available, with more potentially opening up if certain players leave.
Trevoh Chalobah (15), Conor Gallagher (23), and Andrey Santos (39) could all be transferred this summer, leaving their shirt numbers vacant. At Lille, Osimhen wore numbers 7, 16, and 12, with 12 currently available.
Among numbers 1-40, 30, 34, and 35 are unoccupied, but it seems more likely that Osimhen would choose the No.9, given he has worn it for the past five seasons at Napoli.