Paul Merson discussed the potential risks associated with Chelsea signing Victor Osimhen and the prospect of Ivan Toney, highlighting a difference in their potential success in the Premier League.
Merson pointed out that Chelsea took a chance at the start of the season by having only one fit striker and subsequently faced challenges when Nicolas Jackson struggled initially, being the sole available senior striker. Despite Jackson’s recent improvements in scoring, Merson noted concerns about his conversion rate and Craig Burley’s suggestion that Armando Broja might be a preferable choice.
Recognizing Chelsea’s need for a center forward, Merson mentioned Victor Osimhen from Napoli as a potential target but cautioned that his success in Serie A might not necessarily translate to the demands of the Premier League. He highlighted past instances of strikers excelling in other leagues but failing to adapt to the rigor of the Premier League, citing the example of Serie A players struggling in English clubs.
On the other hand, Merson sees Ivan Toney, a prolific scorer from Brentford and a reported target for Chelsea, as a plausible option. Despite a possible high price tag and Toney’s absence at the start of the season due to a ban, Merson believes Toney’s success in the Premier League last season might make him a more viable choice, especially considering the scarcity of top-quality strikers in the market.