Chelsea have lined up Atlético Madrid’s Samu Omorodion as an alternative to Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán, as the London club hunt for a new striker.
Omorodion, a 20-year-old forward, has been on loan at Alavés and has been the subject of talks between Atlético and Chelsea. He scored nine goals in 35 appearances last season and could cost more than £30m.
Chelsea have been given permission to hold talks with Durán, who is valued at £40m, but they are unsure about pushing ahead with a deal for the Villa striker. Durán’s wage demands are high and Villa are thought to have concerns over his attitude.
Chelsea, who are also trying to win the race for Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, have unnamed targets in attack. They are open to signing a striker with Premier League experience but it is thought that Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke is out of their price range. Chelsea’s top target was Benjamin Sesko, who is staying at RB Leipzig.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s new head coach, does not want to go into the new season with Nicolas Jackson as his only senior striker. Jackson did well in his debut season at Stamford Bridge but there is a desire not to place too much pressure on the Senegal international.
Chelsea will also need to work out what to do with David Datro Fofana, who has returned from a productive loan spell at Burnley, and they are keen to sell Armando Broja, who is wanted by Everton.
West Ham are holding talks over a move for the Wolves defender Max Kilman. Julen Lopetegui is looking for reinforcements at centre-back and he knows Kilman from his time at Molineux. The Wolves captain is West Ham’s top target, although they have not made an offer for him yet. It is thought that a bid of £45m would be enough to secure Kilman but Wolves are desperate to keep him.
