‘Very close’: Michael Emenalo says he almost signed £35m striker to replace Didier Drogba at Chelsea

Chelsea FC has faced persistent challenges with their strikers for nearly two decades, leading to the perception that the number nine shirt is cursed. From the high-profile signings of Andriy Shevchenko and Fernando Torres to the return of Romelu Lukaku, the club has struggled to find a reliable goal-scorer who can match the legacy left by Didier Drogba.

The curse of the number nine is a narrative that has followed Chelsea closely since the days of Drogba, who was instrumental in the club’s success during his time. His departure left a significant void that has yet to be filled, with subsequent signings often failing to live up to expectations. Despite considerable investments in top talent, the club has repeatedly found itself searching for the right player to lead the line.

In a recent revelation on the Obi One Podcast, Michael Emenalo, the club’s former sporting director, discussed a near miss that could have altered Chelsea’s striking fortunes. Emenalo disclosed that the club came very close to signing Sergio Aguero from Atletico Madrid in the early 2010s. The plan was to integrate Aguero into the squad alongside Drogba, gradually phasing out the legendary Ivorian striker as he approached the twilight of his career. Emenalo noted that there was significant interest from then-manager Carlo Ancelotti, who had a strategic vision for the team that included Aguero.

However, for reasons that remain unclear, the deal never materialized. Aguero eventually signed with Manchester City for £35 million, a decision that would prove beneficial for the player and transformative for City, where he would go on to become one of the Premier League’s all-time great strikers. Emenalo described Aguero as “the one that got away,” emphasizing the regret felt within the club over the missed opportunity to secure a player of his caliber.

Chelsea’s difficulties in finding a consistent goal-scorer have continued beyond the Aguero saga. In recent years, the club has pursued several high-profile strikers but has yet to find a long-term solution. The most notable near misses include Victor Osimhen, who was a target this past summer, and Harry Kane, who ultimately chose to join Bayern Munich. These instances highlight the ongoing struggle to secure a striker capable of leading the line effectively.

Over the years, Diego Costa emerged as the closest replacement for Drogba, delivering outstanding performances and helping Chelsea secure crucial titles. However, his inability to maintain consistent form in the long term left fans yearning for another player who could replicate Drogba’s impact. Costa’s exit further compounded the club’s striking woes, as the search for a new star continued.

Currently, Nicolas Jackson has shown promise at the start of this season, indicating potential for the future. Nevertheless, there remains a collective feeling among fans and analysts that Chelsea still needs to bolster their attack with another top striker. The club’s history of striking challenges emphasizes the importance of making strategic decisions in the transfer market, particularly when targeting players who can make an immediate impact.

As Chelsea reflects on their past near misses, the need to learn from these experiences becomes crucial. The lessons learned from the Aguero situation and other close calls must inform future transfer strategies to ensure the club can finally find the successor to Drogba. The focus now is not just on finding a striker but also on developing a coherent plan that considers the long-term vision for the team.

In conclusion, Chelsea’s pursuit of a top-tier striker continues to be a significant storyline within the club. With a rich history and a passionate fan base, the expectation remains high. As the club navigates its current squad dynamics and future transfers, securing a world-class striker will be vital to restoring the attacking prowess that has been missing since Drogba’s departure. The hope is that, one day, Chelsea will find the right player to don the number nine shirt and end the long-standing curse that has plagued this iconic position.