The “No. 9 curse” has become a haunting narrative in West London, where high-profile strikers wearing the iconic jersey have consistently struggled to replicate their previous form. From Fernando Torres and Alvaro Morata to the record-breaking return of Romelu Lukaku, a succession of world-class talents have found the weight of the shirt too heavy to bear. Since the departure of Didier Drogba, Chelsea has faced a persistent struggle to find a reliable, long-term solution for the center-forward position. 

Petit, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, insists that Osimhen’s aggressive playing style sets him apart from those who failed before him.

“Since Drogba, I think there’s been a curse around the number nine at Chelsea,” Petit remarked. “But I think it’s different with Osimhen. The way he plays on the pitch is a pain for defenders. This guy is very aggressive, he has something to prove, and he has a really big personality.”

Osimhen is currently enjoying a prolific spell at Galatasaray following a high-profile move from Napoli, but speculation regarding a permanent move to the Premier League continues to swirl. Despite being linked with several elite European clubs, Petit admitted surprise that the Nigerian hadn’t made the jump to England sooner, noting that his physical demands and mental toughness make him a perfect fit for the English game.

As Chelsea continues its rebuild under the current ownership, the search for a clinical finisher remains a top priority. Petit’s endorsement adds significant weight to the argument that Osimhen isn’t just another striker, but a leader capable of restoring the fear factor to the Chelsea frontline. With the summer transfer window approaching, the footballing world will be watching to see if the Blues finally land the man Petit believes can follow in the legendary footsteps of Didier Drogba.