Chelsea could have two ‘Drogba’s’ at the club next season

Chelsea could end up with two ‘Didier Drogba’s’ at the club next season if they complete the signing of Victor Osimhen in the summer. The Nigerian goal machine will slot in as competition for fellow African forward David Datro Fofana, who like Osimhen, has had direct comparisons drawn to the Blues legend.

The Napoli Number 9 is highly thought of by many clubs, most notably Manchester United and was said to be a top target for them in the upcoming transfer window. However, according to reports from Sky Sports Germany, the Red Devils are keener on Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani, which leaves the door open for Chelsea to swoop in and sign their man.

The Serie A top scorer is valued at £100m by The Parthenopeans while Muani is a slightly cheaper option at £85m. Osimhen has been in sensational form this season, scoring 21 goals from 26 league appearances for Napoli but according to Sky, Erik ten Hag ranks Muani higher despite finding the net far less with 13 goals from 28 Bundesliga appearances.

Chelsea are in desperate need of reinforcements up front with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Kai Havertz both struggling to find their shooting boots this year. In truth, the West Londoners have never found their like-for-like replacement for Drogba but could be set to fill that gap with the recruitment of Osimhen.

Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho recently stated that the Nigerian is on the ‘same level’ as Drogba. He said: “He [Osimhen] is of the same level as Drogba, but Didier didn’t dive. If Victor changes, then OK.

“I’d buy him if I was at a club with a lot of money. However, if he does go to England one day, he needs to change, because in Italy they put up with this sort of behaviour, whereas in the Premier League, they’d come down hard on him.”

The last time Chelsea were said to have the next Drogba in their midst was when they acquired the services of Fofana from Molde in January. The 20-year-old became a Chelsea supporter due to the Ivorian icon’s presence at Stamford Bridge and models his game off of him.

Speaking to TV2 shortly before putting pen to paper on a deal with Chelsea, he said: “Chelsea have been my favourite club since I was little. Drogba played there, so they have always been my club. So, it’s my dream.”

Fofana has only made three appearances in total for the Blues so far, two in the Premier League and one in the FA Cup, but is yet to get on the scoresheet.