William Gallas Names the Striker Who Can Take Chelsea ‘Back to the Top’ as Maresca Faces Growing Pressure

Chelsea’s season has taken another worrying turn, and former Blues defender William Gallas believes there is only one striker who can help Enzo Maresca fix his growing problems in front of goal. While Chelsea added Joao Pedro and Liam Delap to the squad last summer in a combined £90m deal, neither forward has delivered the firepower expected — and Gallas says the solution is a player Chelsea almost signed: Victor Osimhen.

The Blues’ recent run of form has caused concern across Stamford Bridge. Chelsea have now gone four games without a win — losing two and drawing two — and their struggles in front of goal have played a big role in their slide down the Premier League table. Chelsea have dropped to fifth place, eight points behind early leaders Arsenal, and their Champions League campaign is hanging by a thread after a damaging loss to Atalanta.

For Gallas, the issue comes down to a lack of an experienced, ruthless striker — and Osimhen, now at Galatasaray, is the player he “dreams” of seeing in blue.

Gallas: “Osimhen Can Put Chelsea Really on Top”

Osimhen’s name has been linked with Chelsea for nearly two years. The Nigerian forward was wanted by several Premier League clubs, but Chelsea pushed hardest during the summer of 2024. A deal looked close at one stage, but the move collapsed late, and Osimhen instead completed a £65m permanent switch to Turkish giants Galatasaray.

Since then, Osimhen has done what he always does — score goals. He was extraordinary during his loan spell last season, hitting 37 goals in just 41 games. This season, he has already reached 11 goals and remains one of Europe’s most feared finishers.

For Gallas, his profile is exactly what Chelsea are missing.

“To be honest, Chelsea, at the moment, I think they are missing one experienced player, and a player who can put Chelsea really on top for me is Victor Osimhen,” Gallas said in an interview with OLBG.

“I wanted to see him sign for Chelsea. Unfortunately, it didn’t happen. But yeah, my dream is to see him play for Chelsea because with his quality, I think he can adapt to Chelsea perfectly.”

His comments reflect a growing sentiment among supporters: Chelsea’s attack, despite heavy investment, lacks a striker with top-level maturity, physical presence, and consistent finishing. Pedro and Delap have shown flashes — but not enough to relieve pressure on Maresca.

Chelsea’s £90m Pair Struggling to Settle

Joao Pedro arrived from Brighton as one of the Premier League’s most promising forwards after scoring 30 goals in 70 games. But life at Stamford Bridge has been far less productive. Despite his talent, Pedro is yet to reach the same level of impact in Chelsea’s system.

Delap’s start has been even more difficult. The 22-year-old scored freely at Ipswich, but adjusting to life at a top club has proven far tougher. He has suffered injuries, scored just once in the league, and has looked short on confidence.

Gallas believes Delap needs to rediscover the fearless mindset he showed at his previous club.

“I think he has to start taking more risks,” Gallas said.

“He has to try to be the same player he was at Ipswich, where he scored goals. He looked like he was enjoying his football. I know when you move to another club, especially a big club, you get more pressure… but just be who you are and take some risks.”

Chelsea fans agree: Pedro and Delap have talent, but neither is yet showing the leadership or killer instinct a top team needs up front.

Chelsea’s Form Sparks Concern as Maresca Searches for Solutions

Maresca’s first months at Chelsea were filled with hope after strong performances against Barcelona and a brave draw with Arsenal, despite Moises Caicedo’s red card. But Caicedo’s suspension has coincided with Chelsea losing rhythm, structure, and control in the middle of the pitch.

Since the Ecuadorian was banned, Chelsea have not won a match. Leeds exposed them in a painful 3–1 defeat. Bournemouth kept them goalless. Atalanta outplayed them in Europe. Chelsea have scored just twice in their last four outings.

The club returns to Premier League action this weekend against an Everton side in excellent form, sitting seventh and only one point behind Chelsea. With automatic Champions League qualification in danger, the pressure on Maresca is building.

Could Chelsea Reignite Their Osimhen Interest?

Gallas’ statement comes at a moment when Chelsea desperately need a spark. Osimhen is proving again why he is considered one of the world’s top strikers, and Maresca’s side is lacking exactly what he brings — power, movement, experience, and goals.

Whether Chelsea make a move in January remains to be seen. The club is not expected to be very active, but with scoring problems growing more obvious, plans may change quickly.