Chelsea legend Zola predicts that Osimhen will be Romelu Lukaku successor at Stanford Bridge

CHELSEA legend Gianfranco Zola has forecast that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will be the next sensation at Stamford Bridge with the club likely to sign him as a replacement for current targetman Romelu Lukaku.

Osimhen, 21, joined Napoli last summer for a record-breaking Nigerian fee of €81m, making him the most expensive Super Eagles ever. This season, Osimhen has been in red hot form for both club and country with a total of five goals in Serie A, Europe and World Cup qualifiers with the national team.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea's impending clash with Juventus in the Uefa Champions League on September 29 at the Allianz Stadium, Zola identified Osimhen as Lukaku’s heir at Chelsea. He added that like Napoli, Juventus have the ability to make up for lost ground, which is possible when teams have st5rikers like Osimhen.

Zola said: “Juventus never die, as their first half against Milan was good but they showed they can make up for lost ground in Serie A. Napoli are really strong in every department too as they have Osimhen, Insigne and Politano up front, they have quality in midfield, a solid defence with Kalidou Koulibaly and two reliable goalkeepers.

"I can’t see weak points in their team. I didn’t know Osimhen when he arrived last year but I have studied him a little and I have discovered a talented player.

“His movements are so good and his athletic strength can be devastating. He is Lukaku’s heir, he is still young and with room for improvement.”

Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in the summer of 2020. Since moving to Italy, he has scored 10 goals in 30 appearances with Napoli.