Chelsea are targeting a new striker signing this summer and have explored moves for both Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion.
Osimhen, 25, is ready to leave the Italian giants this summer but Napoli’s initial insistence on receiving the full £113m release clause has prohibited interested parties from making a move.
The Nigeria international’s wage demands are also an issue for suitors but it is hoped a complex potential swap deal involving wantaway striker Romelu Lukaku, featuring a incentivised bonuses-driven contract, could push a deal over the line before the end of August.
Antonio Conte is widely believed to be pushing for a reunion with Lukaku to reunite with the player who helped win him Serie A in 2021 at Inter Milan.
Chelsea are also keen on adding Omorodion as they pursue multiple targets simultaneously.
The 20-year-old’s future, however, appears tied to multiple other deals as Atletico Madrid try to complete the signing of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher in a separate move first.
They also want to sign Manchester City striker Julian Alvarez, who is valued at more than £70m, but need the funds from selling Omorodion to come close to reaching the asking price.
It remains unclear whether the Blues want to sign both players, with a squad already featuring striking options including Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu. Armando Broja is also on the books but available for sale.
It is more likely the club is moving on multiple fronts with both options deemed complex and uncertain at this early stage.