LONDON — Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit says Victor Osimhen has the “character and personality” to solve Chelsea’s long-standing problems in the number nine position, backing the Nigerian forward as a potential successor to Didier Drogba.
Chelsea have struggled to establish a consistent centre-forward since Drogba’s departure, with a series of high-profile signings failing to deliver sustained impact at Stamford Bridge. The search for a reliable goalscorer has remained a recurring challenge for the club across multiple managerial cycles.
Osimhen, currently at Galatasaray after his spell in Italy with Napoli, has continued to attract interest from top European clubs, with Chelsea among those reportedly monitoring his situation ahead of a possible Premier League move.
Petit said he had expected the Nigeria international to join an English club after leaving Napoli, expressing surprise at his decision to move to Turkey.
“Victor Osimhen is doing well with Galatasaray but when he left Napoli, I was hoping that he was going to come to the Premier League,” Petit said on Andy’s Bet Club, as quoted by Goal. “I have no idea why he chose Galatasaray.”
The former France international linked Chelsea’s attacking inconsistency to what he described as a lingering void left by Drogba, but suggested Osimhen’s profile could mark a departure from that trend.
“Since Drogba, I think there’s been a curse around the number nine at Chelsea,” he said. “I think it’s different with Osimhen because this guy has a really big personality and character. He could be the man to break that curse.”
Osimhen built his reputation in Europe with Lille before moving to Napoli, where he played a central role in their Serie A title-winning campaign and established himself as one of the continent’s most dynamic forwards. Known for his pace, physicality, and aerial presence, he has remained a consistent attacking threat across different leagues.
Petit highlighted those attributes, describing the striker as both physically imposing and mentally resilient — qualities he believes are essential for success in the Premier League.
“The way he plays on the pitch is a pain for defenders. This guy is very aggressive. He has something to prove,” he said. “He has the character, the personality, and the background to play in the Premier League.”
Chelsea’s difficulty in replacing Drogba reflects a broader recruitment challenge rather than a single positional gap. Osimhen’s profile — combining physical dominance with proven output at the top level — aligns with the type of forward the club has lacked in recent years.
Despite only completing a permanent move to Galatasaray last summer, speculation over Osimhen’s long-term future persists. For Chelsea, the question is less about interest and more about timing, cost, and strategic fit within a squad still undergoing transition.
