Super Eagles star to replace Joao Pedro at Chelsea under Xabi Alonso?

by Devesh Jaganath

image Super Eagles star to replace Joao Pedro at Chelsea under Xabi Alonso?
Chelsea are set for a major overhaul this summer, with several players expected to depart Stamford Bridge and a few big names rumoured to be arriving in West London. One of the biggest talking points in recent days is the possibility of Joao Pedro moving to La Liga, with a Nigerian star being eyed up as his replacement.
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Chelsea ‘make inquiries’ about Victor Osimhen availability 

Chelsea are reportedly among several clubs across Europe that are considering a move for Nigerian international Victor Osimhen this summer. 

The 27-year-old striker spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Galatasaray before making his move to Istanbul from Napoli permanent last summer, with the Turkish Super Lig giants breaking their transfer record to secure his services. 

Osimhen had an excellent campaign with Cimbom, claiming the Golden Boot in the Super Lig with 15 goals and five assists, while netting 22 goals across all competitions, including seven in just 10 matches in this season’s UEFA Champions League. 

The Super Eagles’ forward’s performance this season underlined his growing reputation as one of the best strikers in Europe, and it is understood that there is no shortage of interest in his signature, with Chelsea being one of the clubs in the mix after a poor season. 

The Blues ended the 2025-26 Premier League season in a disappointing 10th place, meaning they will not feature in Europe next season. As a result, several of their players could move on this summer, including Joao Pedro, who has been linked to La Liga champions Barcelona. 

Chelsea have confirmed Xabi Alonso as their new manager, handing the Spaniard a four-year contract starting on July 1. Alonso is believed to have made signing a new striker one of his major priorities, and Osimhen is reportedly at the top of the club’s wishlist. 

Chelsea to face stern competition to sign Osimhen

Galatasaray coughed up €75m to sign Osimhen from Napoli last year and have made clear that they have no intention of parting ways with their talisman this summer. However, they may struggle to fend off suitors, especially clubs like Chelsea that have the financial means to meet his buyout clause. 

It is understood that around €100m could tempt Cimbom to reconsider their stance on Osimhen, but the Blues are likely to face stern competition to win the race, with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Newcastle United also rumoured to be monitoring the situation. 

Chelsea’s failure to qualify for Europe could be another issue, as Osimhen will want to compete at the highest level at this stage of his career, which is something that he can do with the two Spanish giants mentioned above, or under Michael Carrick at Old Trafford. 

Should the West Londoners miss out on the Super Eagles’ forward this summer, reports suggest that they have also enquired about the availability of Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and Brentford’s Igor Thiago.