CAF Awards: Osimhen, Lookman Shine in FIFPro Best XI

 

Former Chelsea and Nigeria international Celestine Babayaro has urged the London club to make a move for Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in the upcoming transfer window. Babayaro believes the Nigerian duo would significantly bolster Chelsea’s attack and provide the firepower they desperately need.

Speaking to AfricaFoot, the former Newcastle and Chelsea defender emphasized that Osimhen and Lookman are among the best attackers in Europe and could have an immediate impact at Stamford Bridge.

“Lookman and Osimhen would fit in perfectly at Chelsea,” Babayaro stated.

“It’s obvious they would have an immediate impact there if signed. Look, we’re talking about two of the best strikers in Europe right now. African players have always excelled at Chelsea, and these two would be no different.

They would form the core of the club and make the team instant contenders. They’re also a good buy because they each have one year left on their contracts. In one of the deals, probably Osimhen’s, they could trade Nicolas Jackson, which I think would be a smart move.”

Babayaro, who spent eight years at Chelsea between 1997 and 2005, believes the club should capitalize on Osimhen and Lookman’s contract situations, as both players could be available at a relatively lower fee compared to their usual market value.

Lookman and Osimhen in High Demand

Both Lookman and Osimhen have been in exceptional form this season, attracting interest from top European clubs.

Lookman, who has been one of Atalanta’s standout performers, has scored 18 goals and provided six assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. His impressive form has put clubs like Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), and Arsenal on high alert. With just a year left on his contract, Atalanta could be forced to cash in on the Nigerian winger rather than risk losing him for free.

Osimhen, on the other hand, is set to return to Napoli after an impressive loan spell at Galatasaray, where he has netted 23 goals and registered five assists in 29 appearances. The 26-year-old striker remains one of the most sought-after forwards in world football, with Napoli reportedly demanding a fee of over £70 million for his services.

Clubs like Manchester United, PSG, and Chelsea have all been linked with a move for Osimhen, but Babayaro insists the Blues should move quickly to secure his signature.

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Chelsea in Desperate Need of Attacking Reinforcements

Chelsea’s struggles in front of goal have been well-documented throughout the season. While Nicolas Jackson has shown glimpses of promise, he has lacked consistency. The club also faces concerns over Christopher Nkunku’s recurring fitness issues, while Cole Palmer has been more effective in a creative role rather than leading the line.

Bringing in a prolific goalscorer like Osimhen, coupled with the versatility and playmaking ability of Lookman, could provide Chelsea with the cutting edge they have been missing.

With manager Enzo Maresca expected to reshape the squad ahead of the 2025-26 season, Babayaro’s recommendation could prove invaluable. If Chelsea act on his advice, securing two of Africa’s finest attacking talents would be a major statement of intent.

Whether Chelsea will take Babayaro’s suggestion remains to be seen, but with the transfer window fast approaching, the Blues may need to act swiftly to fend off competition from other European giants.