Since Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali assumed office at Stamford Bridge, the West London titans have been disbursing cheque after cheque, spending more than £1 billion in transfer fees during their tenure.
Nevertheless, Chelsea's financial excesses have yet to translate into success on the field. Their only entry into the top six and qualification for the Europa Conference League last season resulted from a late-season surge.
Nicolas Jackson was Chelsea's primary focus last season after joining from Villarreal.
He scored a commendable 17 goals in all tournaments despite criticism for his tendency to accumulate yellow cards and lack of ruthlessness.
Jackson is one of six centre-forwards in the Blues' squad, along with Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja, Marc Guiu, Deivid Washington, and David Datro Fofana.
However, the former two are anticipated to depart this summer, while the latter three are all in the early phases of their careers.
The absence of an experienced striker remains evident at Stamford Bridge, despite the club's staggering spending in the summer after summer, as Enzo Maresca prepares for his first complete season as manager.
Petit, who played 76 times for the Blues between 2000 and 2004, advised the Blues to prioritize acquiring a dedicated number nine.
He also spoke highly of Christopher Nkunku's return in an interview with Sports Mole and BetVictor.
Even though the 26-year-old only appeared on 14 occasions for Chelsea during his debut season due to injury, Petit thinks that Nkunku is not a viable remedy to the Blues' offensive deficiencies.
"Certainly, they require a striker; however, it is important to consider that Nkunku has returned."
"I am uncertain as to whether he is the most suitable candidate for the position of striker; they should recruit a more suitable striker," the 53-year-old stated.
"An individual capable of completing actions is present in the penalty area and possesses a physical presence."
They can be highly effective in requesting the ball behind the defenders. Currently, Nkunku is performing satisfactorily; however, this is not his optimal position; his optimal position is directly behind the strikers.
Although Chelsea already has a seasoned center-forward in the form of Lukaku, it is evident that neither he nor the club is interested in maintaining their partnership for an extended period.
Rumors have naturally circulated regarding a part-exchange deal for Victor Osimhen, the 2022-23 Serie A top scorer, as the Belgian eagerly anticipates a reunion with the new Napoli manager, Antonio Conte. This sentiment is shared by the Italians.
There are reports that Chelsea is on the brink of a three-way swap deal for the Nigerian player.
The Nigerian will join Maresca's squad in exchange for £39 million, Lukaku, and promising midfielder Cesare Casadei.
Brentford's Ivan Toney, Lille's Jonathan David, and Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez could be more cost-effective alternatives; however, the Blues' enthusiasm for the former has diminished.
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