Chelsea underwhelming show in their much anticipated 2024/25 English Premier League campaign will surely leave a bad taste, and if the body language of the Owners, in the directors’ box at Stamford Bridge on Sunday was anything to go by, heads may start to roll, and early too.

A disappointing show in their 2-0 defeat – goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic adding salt to the injury – against Champions, Manchester City in the Premier League clash, showed the team lacks grit and steel something that could force Chelsea to return to the negotiation table for Victor Osimhen.

Erling Haaland embraces Mateo Kovacic after the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City FC at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

Prior to Sunday’s Premier League opener, Chelsea had been adamant on the terms for any deal with Napoli over Osimhen, insisting on a loan move for the Striker.

While the Club has been on a spending spree all summer, the negotiation tactics for the Nigerian forward, who scored 15 goals and provided 3 assists in 25 Serie A appearances last team, might appear baffling.

However, it is understandable since the Blues have a bloated squad – 30 first team players – and risk financial or points deduction penalties if they breach the League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules (PSR).

With more players expected to come through the doors at Cobham, Chelsea’s directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are exploring every possible avenue to get Napoli to play ball for their €130m-valued asset.

Co Sporting Director Laurence Stewart (L), Cole Palmer (C) and Co Sporting Director Paul Winstanley (R). (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)

Last night, Chelsea’s number 9, Nicolas Jackson underwhelmed yet again.

Though his 14 goals in 35 PL appearances last season seem impressive, the Striker overall performance has been a cause for concern and his position is likely up for debate should Chelsea move again for Osimhen.

Enzo Maresca with his players during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Manchester City FC at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

Another stumbling block in the deal for Osimhen is his annual salary, which is certain to throw Chelsea’s wage bill on the precipices – if Raheem Sterling stays.

Sterling is among Chelsea’s highest earners, with his weekly wage put at £325,000 – same as the wantaway Romelu Lukaku.

Raheem Sterling during pre-season. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

Getting the two off their books drastically reduces the Club’s spending and opens up space to accommodate Osimhen’s £210,073 – and it’s likely to increase.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the sticking points over the delay with the Nigerian’s transfer bother on his Salary demands – refusing to take a pay cut – and Chelsea’s adamant offer for a loan deal with option or obligation to buy.

Todd Boehly. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

However, the 2-0 result at the Bridge which left Todd Boehly visibly red-faced could see the club swing into more drastic actions, perhaps this time with a shake up in the Directors’ offices.