Chelsea pursue Osimhen alternative despite WORRYING recent record

Cameron Smith

• 22 Nov 2024 06:45 GMT
• 3 min read

Chelsea reportedly remain interested in signing Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson as they scour the globe for alternatives to Victor Osimhen.

The Blues are determined to purchase a new number nine in 2025, amid concerns over Christopher Nkunku’s future at the club, and they have identified several different options across European football.

Osimhen continues to be Chelsea’s priority target, but the west London giants are set to face significant competition in the race to sign the Nigeria international on a permanent deal next summer.

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Galatasaray are eager to extend his stay in Istanbul, Arsenal and Manchester United have both been linked, while Al-Hilal and Paris Saint-Germain could rekindle their interest following their failed pursuits this year.

As a result, Chelsea are monitoring several other centre forwards in Europe, including Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.

In addition, the Blues remain interested in signing Brighton star Ferguson, according to Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips.

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The Stamford Bridge outfit were heavily linked with a move for the Republic of Ireland international following his breakout season under Roberto De Zerbi in 2022-23, but rumours of a move to west London have quietened down in recent months.

However, Chelsea are reportedly still scouting Ferguson as they ponder a possible transfer bid in 2025.

Evan Ferguson to Chelsea?

Chelsea’s interest in Ferguson comes amid a worrying spell of form for both club and country.

The 20-year-old burst onto the scene with a string of impressive performances during the 2022-23 campaign, a season in which he scored 10 senior goals in all competitions, but the hype around him has dropped off significantly of late.

Ferguson has only scored twice in his last 37 games for Brighton and the Republic of Ireland, with his goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers last month ending a drought that dated back to November 2023.