Chelsea are currently scrambling to secure Champions League football so they can compete with the likes of Liverpool next season.
By all accounts, Todd Boehly’s side can afford to bring the world’s best talent to Chelsea, but playing in the Champions League would undoubtedly give Enzo Maresca’s team more pull.
Of course, Liverpool aren’t struggling in that regard, Arne Slot has just immediately won the Premier League and his project is as exciting as any out there.
But if Chelsea can secure a top five finish over the next fortnight, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were at the front of the queue for a number of Europe’s top players.
| Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
| 3 |  NewcastleNewcastle |
36 | 20 | 6 | 10 | 68 | 45 | 23 | 66 |
| 4 |  Man CityManchester City |
36 | 19 | 8 | 9 | 67 | 43 | 24 | 65 |
| 5 |  ChelseaChelsea |
36 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 62 | 43 | 19 | 63 |
| 6 |  Aston VillaAston Villa |
36 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 56 | 49 | 7 | 63 |
| 7 |  Nottm ForestNottingham Forest |
36 | 18 | 8 | 10 | 56 | 44 | 12 | 62 |
And if reports are to be believed, both Chelsea and Liverpool have serious intentions to sign a new striker this summer.
Chelsea could beat Liverpool to Victor Osimhen
Although Liverpool want to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United this summer, they are aware that a deal may not be possible.
Eddie Howe’s side have no intention to sell Isak and the striker is expected to remain in place to spearhead Newcastle’s own return to the Champions League next season.
As a result, Liverpool are interested in Victor Osimhen, an extremely talented striker who’s currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli.
READ MORE: Chelsea want to re-sign £70m star who Frank Lampard was blamed for allowing to leave
But according to Football Transfers, Chelsea are now planning to press on with their own plans to sign Osimhen.
Chelsea are said to be ready to start talks with Osimhen’s agents in order to find a compromise over the striker’s wages.
Osimhen is almost certain to leave Napoli this summer according to the report and his large wage package is said to be the only factor which could possibly scupper a move to west London.
Chelsea will attempt to agree a lower basic wage with Osimhen, otherwise they will move on to other targets.
Liam Delap has chosen his next club
Unfortunately for Chelsea, and perhaps even Liverpool who showed some interest, Liam Delap wants to join Manchester United this summer if they win the Europa League.
Delap presented something of a bargain deal for the Premier League’s top clubs this summer given his relegation release clause that became active once Ipswich Town’s return to the Championship was confirmed.
Instead, Chelsea are keen on Ollie Watkins at Aston Villa, a striker who is still thought to be on Arsenal’s shortlist too.
Several English sides will be attempting to buy a new striker this summer, and perhaps Chelsea or Liverpool could still make a late play for Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting CP.
Arsenal have had contact with Gyokeres, but the race for his signature is still far from over.
