Chelsea are currently exploring other options in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements, with the club reportedly in talks with Atletico Madrid regarding the potential signing of Samu Omorodion. The 20-year-old forward, who spent last season on loan at Alaves, impressed with his nine goals in 35 appearances. Although Omorodion is believed to come with a price tag exceeding £30m, which is less than what Aston Villa are demanding for Jhon Duran.
According to the Guardian, Chelsea have been granted permission to engage in discussions with Duran, who has been valued at £40m. However, the London club is hesitant to proceed with a deal for the Villa striker due to concerns over his wage demands and attitude. In addition to their interest in Omorodion and Duran, Chelsea are also vying for the signature of Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, while maintaining undisclosed targets in the attacking department. The Blues are open to acquiring a striker with Premier League experience but may find Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke out of their financial reach. Furthermore, Benjamin Sesko, Chelsea’s primary target, has opted to remain at RB Leipzig.
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s newly appointed head coach, is eager to bolster the squad’s attacking options and is not content with Nicolas Jackson as the sole senior striker. Although Jackson made a positive impact in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea is keen on lessening the burden placed on the Senegal international by adding more firepower upfront.
On the other hand, Manchester United are reportedly preparing a bid for Joshua Zirkzee as they continue negotiations with Bologna over a potential transfer for the promising striker. Zirkzee is said to have a buy-out clause of £33.7m, prompting United to rival AC Milan for his services. Despite interest from Arsenal, United’s progress in discussions has put them in pole position to secure Zirkzee’s signature. The Red Devils are navigating a tight budget following their failed bid for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, but plan to offload Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood to raise funds.
In a surprising turn of events, Leicester City are closing in on hiring Graham Potter as their next manager, succeeding Maresca. Potter, who has been out of a managerial role since his dismissal from Chelsea in April 2023, is poised to lead Leicester into the upcoming Premier League campaign, commencing with a match against Tottenham in August. Despite Leicester’s financial constraints and potential points deduction for breaching profit and sustainability regulations, Potter is eager to return to management and feels supported by the club’s hierarchy.
Ajax, on the other hand, are eyeing a move for Wout Weghorst, with the striker looking to secure a transfer away from Burnley and avoid competing in the Championship next season. Weghorst’s standout performance for the Netherlands at Euro 2024 has piqued interest from clubs, including Ajax, who are seeking to revamp their attacking options following a disappointing campaign. With players like Steven Bergwijn, Chuba Akpom, and Brian Brobbey potentially departing, Ajax sees Weghorst as a key target to rejuvenate their attacking prowess.
In conclusion, the summer transfer window promises to be eventful as top clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, Leicester City, and Ajax are actively seeking to reinforce their squads ahead of the new season. The pursuit of talented players like Omorodion, Duran, Zirkzee, and Weghorst underscores the competitiveness and strategic planning employed by clubs as they aim to achieve success in domestic and European competitions.
