Petit insists that, despite links with both Osimhen and Gyokeres, Chelsea do not need to sign a striker this summer, as they must allow Nicolas Jackson the space to thrive. The summer signing, who cost the Blues a fee of just over £30 million ($37m), has scored 12 goals in all competitions this season.

Petit also slammed Boehly for “running the club into the ground” amid further rumours that Conor Gallagher could leave the club. He has been heavily linked with a potential move to Tottenham, and Petit is astonished that the club could allow him to move to a major rival.

Petit told Genting Casino: “I don’t think Chelsea need Gyokeres or Osimhen. With Chelsea, there are so many players who are not playing to their level and can do so much more. I think Nicolas Jackson is one of them.

“He’s got lots of potential and has shown it in glimpses but needs to do more. I think Caicedo needs to too and so does the Argentine midfielder, Enzo (Fernandez). There are many players who don’t play the way they should, there’s no confidence, they’re lost on the pitch – and it’s the same with Jackson. He’s struggling as the team is struggling.

“He’s not the type to dribble past four or five defenders and score, he’s not like that, but when Chelsea improve as a team, he will improve. That’s why I don’t think Chelsea need to sign a striker – they need to stop spending so much.”

Asked about Gallagher, Petit, who made 55 appearances for the Blues between 2001 and 2004, replied: “If anything summed up the board of Chelsea, it is this. Can you believe that? They are running the club into the ground. Boehly has signed so many players that he may have to get rid of Gallagher, one of their most important players. He’s one of the only leaders, too, so it really is crazy to be a Chelsea fan right now. I’m happy I wasn’t around in the Boehly era.”

Chelsea play Everton this weekend before taking on Manchester City in an FA Cup semi-final, with Mauricio Pochettino’s men still able to win silverware this season.