Chelsea have been linked to a number of strikers in the summer transfer window with numerous clear messages sent to Enzo Maresca. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak emerged as a forward of interest in late June with contact from Stamford Bridge being made for Jonathan David and Jhon Duran.
The Aston Villa striker, who now looks set for a move to West Ham, is no longer considered a transfer target while David is also being looked at by Tottenham and Manchester United with it seeming inevitable he departs Lille this summer.
Elsewhere, Chelsea launched a surprise offer to sign Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion, however it was quickly rejected. Interest from west London in the 20-year-old, despite his rather ridiculous £70million asking price, has remained though and the exact reason for that may have been revealed.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Blues believe Omorodion is one of the best strikers on the market, though it is up to Atletico to make a decision over whether to sell. However, it does look as though Omorodion is not keen on leaving.
Speaking to Marca, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano, he recently said: “My focus is on Atletico. I noticed that the people of Atletico supported me a lot. I also received a lot of support from the club, they told me to stay calm, that they trusted me. That is very gratifying for a player.”
With Omorodion looking likely to stay in the Spanish capital, Maresca has been given three unexpected alternatives he should look at, courtesy of former Chelsea man Emmanuel Petit.
“Chelsea should look at Lens and Lille for cheaper strikers – over the last ten years they have got their business for strikers bang on and sold them for big profit,” he told BoyleSports, who offer the latest Euro 2024 Betting. “Jonathan David and Lois Openda have been superb in the French league over the years and they did not cost a lot.
“If i was Chelsea, I would look at signing Elye Wahi from Lens. He is a quality player and he could be a similar profile to Drogba, who joined from Marseille for such a cut-price fee.
“Niclas Fullkrug should also be an option, he has the x-factor, he’s so dangerous every time he comes on for Germany and I know he’s 31, but I believe he would add a lot of quality to Chelsea and would fit English football perfectly.”
