Chelsea appear to still be in the market for a striker this month despite having already welcomed David Datro Fofana from Molde on a six-and-a-half-year contract. The 20-year-old talisman has been pictured training with the Blues but Graham Potter remains intent on bolstering his frontline.
So, Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram has been identified by the west Londoners as a candidate who can solve Chelsea's goalscoring misfortunes. The France international has impressed for club and country this season, courting great interest from a number of top-flight European clubs.
Thuram sees his contract with the German outfits expire at the end of the season and is set to be available for a cut-price fee. There has been no indication - as of yet - that he'll pen an extension with Monchengladbach so Chelsea look to be keen on securing an attractive bargain.
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With that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest news as race for Thuram heats up.
Chelsea open talks
The Blues have 'opened talks' to explore a January deal for the Bundesliga striker, according to Fabrizio Romano. Thuram would be available via a free transfer in the summer if he were to not pen an extension at Borussia-Park.
It's said that the France international will take his time and 'consider all the options'. With a bargain on the cards, Romano adds that the west Londoners see the signing of Thuram as a 'big opportunity'.
Price tag set
According to Italian broadcaster SportMediaset, as quoted by InterNews, Borussia Monchengladbach would want around €15million (£13.2million) for Thuram in January. With the striker set to leave for free in the summer, the German side may be inclined to cash in.
Weghorst clue grants Chelsea boost
Manchester United target Weghorst looks to have handed Chelsea a huge boost in the race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach star Thuram. The 30-year-old striker, who is on loan from Burnley at Besiktas, scored for the Turkish giants on Saturday in a 2-1 win over Kasimpasa.
After finding the net, Weghorst appeared to bid farewell to the Besiktas fans. He kissed the Besiktas badge, made a heart symbol with his hands and affectionately reached out to the supporters, gesturing that he's sorry.
The Netherlands international has emerged as a surprise target for United as Erik ten Hag looks to replace Cristiano Ronaldo. But, according to the BBC, there is no break clause in the loan deal, so talks involve all three clubs. With Weghorst seeming set to join United, Chelsea have one less potential suitor to worry about.
Arsenal competition
Ahead of the January transfer window, AC Milan and Arsenal were credited with interested in Thuram, according to Milan Live. The report stated that the Frenchman had been on Mikel Arteta's radar for 'some time'.
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