Since the spectacular failure of Romelu Lukaku's return to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2021, Chelsea have been short of a talismanic striker that could follow in the footsteps of club greats like Didier Drogba.
Last season, the Blues toiled in the final third, as Nicolas Jackson struggled to find his feet after arriving from Spain and Christopher Nkunku was laid low by injury.
Despite outlaying many millions during the current transfer window, most fans still yearn for a true number nine to spearhead Chelsea's exciting young attack.
In recent days, both Ivan Toney and long-time target Victor Osimhen have been considered by the big-spending London club - but which one would best link up with Cole Palmer and co? Here, Sports Mole weighs up the merits of both.
Is Osimhen the answer?
© Reuters
In a reversal of last year's activity, Napoli have spent most of this summer trying to find a buyer for their want-away striker, with no-one willing to meet the Nigerian's £100m-plus release clause.
For a while it seemed a move to Paris Saint-Germain may be on the cards, but that failed to transpire, and the 25-year-old recently snubbed a substantial offer from Saudi Pro-League side Al-Ahli.
The focal point of Napoli's 2022-23 Scudetto-winning squad, Osimhen was Serie A's Capocannoniere - top scorer - that season, as the Partenopei claimed their first league title in over three decades.
However, having seen his relationship with the club turn sour during an injury-hit 2023-34 campaign, the ex-Lille striker is now desperate to move on.
Earlier this week, La Gazzetta dello Sport suggested Chelsea were ready to match Al-Ahli's £60 million offer - which Napoli would most likely accept - but agreeing personal terms with Osimhen may prove another matter.
As an established goalscorer in Italy and France, as well as in European competition, he requires a wage rise that the Premier League club's management may be unwilling to sanction.
However, Enzo Maresca's youthful side would surely benefit from having such a proven striker, and Osimhen could prove the final piece of an expensively assembled jigsaw.
Could Toney link up with young guns?
![England's Ivan Toney pictured during the warm-up on June 25, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/26/ivan-toney.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "England's Ivan Toney pictured during the warm-up on June 25, 2024 [IMAGO]")
© Imago
Also wanted by Al-Ahli - and with less than a year left to run on his contract - Ivan Toney recently emerged as a surprise contender to solve Chelsea's striker woes.
The England forward was left out of Brentford's first two games of the new season, with a move elsewhere apparently close to completion; however, no deal has yet been done.
Toney's consistent scoring record, Premier League experience and affordable wages make him an attractive acquisition, but rumoured suitors Manchester United and Arsenal have declined to make a bid.
While Chelsea cannot compete with the financial package available in Saudi Arabia, the 28-year-old may prefer to continue his career in the capital and experience European football this season.
Like international teammate Cole Palmer, Toney is a spot-kick specialist, and he would offer Chelsea's fleet of forwards - featuring Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke - a presence to link up with in the final third.
He has, though, failed to fully impress since returning from a lengthy betting ban, and like with Osimhen there are still question marks remaining.
Osimhen vs. Toney - who should Chelsea sign?
© Imago
Since 2017, no Chelsea striker has hit the recognised 20-goal mark that separates good from great in the Premier League, with Diego Costa being the last man to do so.
For all his detractors, Nicolas Jackson eventually reached 14 last season, while Cole Palmer has proved a reliable source of goals - either operating as a 'false nine' or from behind a main striker.
However, it is apparent that a new number nine could take the Stamford Bridge club to another level, and Victor Osimhen is best placed to fill that vacancy.
Three years Ivan Toney's junior, the Nigeria international may be the more costly option but has greater potential - only 12 months ago, he was one of the hottest properties on the planet.
Blessed with a brilliant blend of aerial prowess, technical ability and ice-cold finishing, Osimhen would surely gel with Chelsea's existing players to fire up their Premier League challenge for this season and beyond.
While Toney also offers some of those characteristics - and has proven he can score regularly in the Premier League - a striker that averages over a goal every two games for Napoli may be the man to emulate Drogba, Costa and co.
Osimhen was once pictured wearing a Chelsea shirt during his youth, and now the time is right for him to don the famous blue jersey for real.
