MAURICIO POCHETTINO has pledged to break the curse attached to Chelsea’s No9 shirt.
The Blue’s boss will urge the club’s next striker to take the shirt after learning of it’s dark history.
From Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham, to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alvaro Morata – the No.9 jersey is somewhat doomed.
Lukaku, who signed for £97.5m in 2021, was loaned back to Inter Milan last season and has not been reintegrated into the first team.
New forwards Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have opted against taking the number deemed jinxed by many in and around Stamford Bridge.
But Pochettino has now promised to banish the voodoo attached to the shirt.
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When asked about lifting the curse, the Argentine said: “For sure, if we bring in one more, now I’m going to be sure that he uses the nine and try to change the feeling and the idea that this number is not cursed.
“We need to do some things to change the energy. I will ask the kit man to bring all the nine shirts and we will do something to break it.”
But are there actually many viable options for Pochettino’s men?
SunSport has taken a look at seven names that could break the pattern.
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Victor Osimhen
The Nigerian, 24, is one of the most sought-after players in world football.
Osimhen netted 26 goals in a title-winning season for Napoli in 2022/2023.
The strikers sleek combination of power and pace could work wonders with Chelsea’s creative players, who create plenty of chances but have nobody in the box to put them away.
Randal Kolo Muani
The France international, who rose to prominence at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, has been linked with a summer exit for several months.
Muani scored 23 goals and provided 17 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt last season.
But with Neymar moving to Saudi Arabia, PSG are pushing to sign Muani – who is estimated to be £80m – to help bolster their attack.
Evan Ferguson
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The 18-year-old striker burst onto the scene last season, scoring nine goals since his breakthrough into the senior team.
Ferguson has been briefly linked with an exit from Brighton since signing a long-term contract with the Seagulls in April.
Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney may be banned until 2024, but Chelsea could still see a huge upside in bringing him to the club.
Last season, the 27-year-old was only outscored in the Premier League by Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
He has netted 32 top-flight goals in 68 games for the Bees – an unbelievable record for a No.9 playing in a side promoted from the Championship just two years ago.
Lautaro Martinez
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez would be one of the most expensive options Pochettino could go for.
The Argentine, 25, was quoted as being priced at around £75m when linked with a Premier League move last year.
The World Cup winner netted 28 times for the Italian outfit last season.
Folarin Balogun
Arsenal striker Balogun, 22, could prove a good investment for Pochettino, as the youngster seeks regular first team football.
Balogun seriously impressed with his 21 goals while on loan at Reims last season.
Arsenal have valued him at £50m, but are said to be on the brink of selling him to AS Monaco.
Darwin Nunez
Darwin Nunez arrived at Liverpool off the back of a 34-goal season with Benfica.
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While at Benfica, he established himself as one of Europe’s sharpest shooters by scoring six goals in 10 Champions League games.
It’s judgment year for Nunez at Liverpool, could he replicate his previous form at Chelsea?
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
