Chelsea are strong contenders to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer.
The 24-year-old is aware of interest from the Blues, who regard him as a primary target as they pursue another physical forward.
They believe the Nigeria international, who has scored 25 goals in 29 games this season, would allow them to compete with the firepower of Manchester City’s goal machine Erling Haaland.
Chelsea’s need is driven by a dismal season in front of goal. They have scored just 29 Premier League goals, more than only seven clubs in the division who all find themselves in a relegation battle. Kai Havertz is the club’s top scorer with nine goals in 36 matches across all competitions.
Chelsea may have a small emotive edge in that Osimhen grew up idolising Blues legend Didier Drogba and was pictured in the club’s shirt while growing up in Lagos.
The biggest challenge for both clubs is dealing with Napoli, who are notoriously difficult negotiators and are thought to be asking for a fee in the region of €100million (£88m) to €150m (£132m). Napoli’s model relies on selling at least one star every season.
Osimhen could stretch Chelsea’s finances after they announced a £121m loss this week, which they attributed to Government sanctions on previous owner Roman Abramovich last season.