Chelsea have less than two weeks to complete the finishing touches to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad this summer. Close to £300million has been spent on a number of new signings already, but there remains a great deal left to do.
So far, the spending has been warranted after the departures of regular first-team players Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Kai Havertz. More business is expected to follow in the final 14 days of the window, with one area of Pochettino’s squad requiring more attention than others.
Based on the Blues’ Premier League opener with Liverpool last week, the Argentine will start three attackers in front of a midfield trio. Chelsea are blessed with an array of talent in the attacking wide positions but lack a prolific No.9.
Christopher Nkunku’s unfortunate injury sustained in pre-season means Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja will compete for the centre-forward slot. However, many have urged Todd Boehly to sign another striker and the list of potential candidates has gradually increased.
Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic has been the subject of strong interest from Chelsea. It’s understood that a player plus cash deal has been offered to the Italian side, with Romelu Lukaku included. However, reports in Italy have suggested the two clubs remain apart in their valuation.
More recently, a surprise link to Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun has emerged. The USMNT star has not featured for the Gunners this season, despite Gabriel Jesus’ injury. It has been suggested that the Blues have held discussions with the striker’s representatives over a potential deal.
football.london understands that Mikel Arteta’s side are willing to let the 22-year-old leave this summer but for only the right price. A £50million price tag has been quoted throughout the window with Inter Milan and AS Monaco both falling short with their bids, although it’s expected that ‘Premier League tax’ may be thought upon should Chelsea make a move.
Michael Olise’s failed move from Crystal Palace leaves Chelsea back to square one in their pursuit of a versatile attacker. football.london understands that the Blues hold a genuine interest in Mohammed Kudus and Rayan Cherki, although it’s Jeremy Doku who has emerged as a surprise move to Stamford Bridge.
If reports are to be believed, Chelsea have registered an interest in the Rennes star in recent days despite Manchester City seeming close to signing him. A Belgium international, Doku has been compared to ex-Chelsea winger Eden Hazard and would cost around £54million.
Fending off competition from Man City may prove difficult for Boehly this summer. The lack of European football this term could prove pivotal, but snapping-up a 21-year-old winger of his quality for a reasonable fee would be exquisite business.
Should Doku not be their man, a move for highly-rated Villarreal forward Yeremy Pino could be an option. It has been reported that the club have set their sights on the 20-year-old this summer having been impressed with his displays in Spain.
Pino has already played 123 first-team games, scoring 18 and assisting 12. And whilst he may be a raw talent, the Spain international has bags of potential to grow into in the coming years.
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