We recently had the pleasure of catching up with former England and Liverpool legend John Barnes to discuss a range of Chelsea topics. The Blues under Pochettino haven’t reached their expected heights this season considering the money they’ve spent in the Todd Bohely era. But the form of Cole Palmer has certainly been a plus point. Barnes also touched on the rumours linking Victor Osimhen with a move to West London and Armando Broja’s future.
In this article:
- Chelsea is the perfect club for Osimhen
- The Premier League is too quick for Benzema
- Broja should leave Chelsea
- Palmer’s form a pleasant surprise for Barnes
Chelsea is the perfect club for Osimhen
Victor Osimhen has expressed his desire to play in the Premier League one day. Following his pivotal role in Napoli’s triumph in Serie A last season, the Nigerian striker recently signed a new contract with the club. Napoli reportedly has a £112 million release clause for Osimhen, a sum they are likely to insist on if a team expresses interest in acquiring his services. Chelsea is among the clubs rumoured to be interested in the Nigerian, as they aim to address their scoring challenges. John Barnes opines that Osimhen would be an ideal fit at Chelsea, considering their current difficulties in goal scoring.
“I don’t know who the best fit would be but out of the Premier League sides I would say Chelsea need a centre forward.
“They’ve got good players in midfield and they can create but they need somebody to put the ball in the back of the net.
“When I say Chelsea are the best fit for Osimhen I don’t mean from a style perspective. I mean Chelsea need a number nine and it would be the best move for Chelsea if they can get him.
“He has no experience in the Premier League. He’s experienced in Serie A but this league will be very new to him. Overall, it will still be a good move for both parties.”
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The Premier League Is Too Quick For Benzema
Karim Benzema, currently playing in the Saudi Pro League, has also been associated with a potential move to Chelsea. Reports of Benzema’s dissatisfaction have alerted several Premier League clubs, particularly those looking to sign a recognised No. 9 during the January transfer window. His potential addition to Chelsea could bring a blend of quality and experience to the team.
“Remember when Ronaldo came back to the Premier League and how that worked out?
“If you consider the type of football that he’s been playing in the Saudi League and look at his age, I think the Premier League is too quick for him.
“I’m not a big fan of players that are aged 37 and 38 coming to the Premier league for a year or two. We know he has the quality but look at the intensity of the league.
“Is he really going to help Chelsea? You need players that can run around and give 100% effort, commitment, and chase around.
“I don’t think that’s a good move for any top Premier League side.”
Broja Should Leave Chelsea
Chelsea has reportedly set a £50 million valuation on Armando Broja, indicating their openness to selling the striker in January. Following a significant injury just over a year ago, Broja has struggled to secure a prominent striker role at Chelsea.
The possibility of a transfer remains if an appropriate offer is presented. Aston Villa, alongside West Ham United, Fulham, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, are all showing interest in the Albanian international. The question arises: would Broja benefit more from staying at Chelsea, or could a move to another club prove advantageous for his career?
“He did well during his loan spell at Southampton. He’s a good player but I think that’s a lot of money for somebody that’s not really a regular in the team.
“I think for him, he should look to move because he’s not really been given an opportunity at Chelsea and we know they’re looking for an experienced number nine.
“If someone is willing to pay £50m then that’s what he’s worth and he should leave but that price tag may scare a lot of teams off.”
Palmer’s Form A Pleasant Surprise For Barnes
Cole Palmer has emerged as Chelsea’s leading goal scorer and is arguably their standout player this season. Demonstrating his reliability from the penalty spot, Palmer converted his fifth penalty in as many attempts, bringing his season tally to nine goals with a composed spot-kick in Chelsea’s 1-0 victory against Fulham on Saturday.
According to statistics from Opta, Palmer is second only to Jeremy Doku in terms of open-play expected assists per 90 minutes this season. His proficiency in creating scoring opportunities is highlighted by his average of 1.09 through-balls per 90 minutes, a figure surpassed only by Lucas Paqueta and exceeding that of Liverpool’s chief creator and passer in Trent Alexander-Arnold. Barnes has been impressed and surprised by the form of Palmer who joined the Blues from City during the summer.
“Palmer is Chelsea’s top scorer and he’s playing well. Chelsea now need to find the right balance and get the best out of everybody.
“They’re a team that’s not playing particularly well. They’ve got good individual players but when the team is not winning it does not do anyone any good.
“You have to have a balance in the team. But I must say he’s done very well so far for Chelsea. Better than I expected.
“Chelsea now need a way of playing that suits everybody and gets everyone playing well rather than one or two players playing well.”
