Former Chelsea winger Florent Malouda has backed Victor Osimhen as the ideal striker to lead the line at Stamford Bridge, urging the Blues to go all out for the Nigerian international in the upcoming transfer window.

Speaking on the club’s future and the need for a consistent goalscorer, Malouda didn’t hold back in his praise for the Nigerian star.

“We [Chelsea] need a striker that scores 20 or more a season. Osimhen is the kind of player who can do that. The links with Chelsea are strong.”

Malouda, who was part of Chelsea’s golden era and won multiple trophies including the Premier League and Champions League, emphasized the club’s successful history with African players as a major factor in backing Osimhen’s potential arrival.

“We’ve had brilliant African footballers in the past, and Osimhen can be the next generation of African players at Chelsea. I would love to see him join the club. I think he would be an excellent signing.”

He also pointed out how Osimhen’s presence could benefit Chelsea’s current young striker Nicolas Jackson, helping him grow under less pressure and learn from a proven goalscorer.

“I also think he would help someone like Nicolas Jackson improve.”

Osimhen, 25, has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Chelsea reportedly among the frontrunners. After back-to-back prolific seasons in Serie A, including a Scudetto win with Napoli, the Nigerian hitman is seen as one of the most lethal forwards in Europe.

Chelsea’s search for a reliable striker has been ongoing since the departure of Diego Costa, and Malouda believes Osimhen could finally be the answer.