‘Being targeted’: Chelsea still interested in 18-year-old despite Pochettino not being keen – journalist

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Chelsea remain interested in Borussia Dortmund youngster Youssoufa Moukoko.

That is according to journalist Simon Phillips.

While Phillips has stated on his Substack that Youssoufa Moukoko does not fit the profile of striker Mauricio Pochettino is looking for, he has claimed that the 18-year-old is still “being targeted” by the Blues.

He is not the only centre-forward Chelsea seem to be interested in, though.

The Blues have also been heavily linked with Victor Osimhen as his contract saga with Napoli rumbles on.

Chelsea should not sign Youssoufa Moukoko in the January transfer window

Moukoko is a young forward who obviously has a lot of talent. Last season, he scored seven goals in 26 Bundesliga appearances, which is quite impressive for someone his age.

However, Chelsea do not need another raw striker and require someone who is way more prolific, like Osimhen, for example.

Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja are a few years older than Moukoko but are still quite young at 22.

Considering that, we do not think Chelsea need to concentrate on bringing in another young No.9 with potential.

In the 2022/23 season, Osimhen scored 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances. It helped Napoli to win the league title. That is what Pochettino needs, not another unproven centre-forward.

Will he get that? January could be difficult. It is hard to imagine Napoli selling one their key players in the middle of the season, especially for a reasonable fee. The Blues, then, may have to wait until next summer to sign Osimhen.

It means Chelsea may not have enough firepower to qualify for the Champions League, though they have looked better in front of goal in their last few games. If Pochettino’s men can keep it up, maybe they will be able to reach their objectives this season without going crazy in the January transfer window.