Former Emmanuel Petit has backed Victor Osimhen to finally solve Chelsea FC’s long-standing problems in attack, insisting the striker has the personality and mentality to succeed where others have failed.
The Blues have struggled to find a consistent goal scorer since the departure of club legend Didier Drogba, with a succession of high-profile forwards unable to cement their place as the team’s leading number nine.
Osimhen, currently playing for Galatasaray after his time at Napoli, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Chelsea reportedly among the clubs tracking his progress.
Petit admitted he expected the Nigerian striker to head to England after leaving Italy, expressing surprise at his decision to move to Turkey instead.
“Victor Osimhen is doing well with Galatasaray but when he left Napoli, I thought he would join the Premier League,” Petit said, speaking on Andy’s Bet Club via Goal. “I don’t know why he chose Galatasaray.”
Despite Chelsea’s ongoing struggles in front of goal, Petit believes Osimhen could be the player to change the narrative.
“Since Drogba, it feels like there’s been a curse around the number nine at Chelsea,” he said. “But Osimhen is different — he has a big personality and strong character. He could be the one to break that curse.”
Petit also highlighted Osimhen’s aggressive style of play and mental strength, describing him as a constant threat to defenders and capable of thriving under pressure.
“The way he plays is a nightmare for defenders. He’s aggressive and always has something to prove,” Petit added. “He did brilliantly in Italy after leaving France, even with the issues he had with Napoli’s president, before moving to Galatasaray.”
With several years still ahead of him at the top level, Petit believes Osimhen has all the attributes needed to succeed in England.
“He has the character, personality, and background to play in the Premier League,” he said.
Although Osimhen only secured a permanent move to Galatasaray last summer, speculation over a future switch to England continues to gather pace — especially as Chelsea remain in search of a reliable long-term striker.
