Chelsea are one of several English clubs considering activating the €17.5m (£14.9m) release clause in the contract of Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy.
Guirassy is a transfer target for clubs across the continent after a stunning season at Stuttgart, in which the forward scored 28 goals in 28 league appearances to fire the German side to a runners-up finish and Champions League qualification.
His extraordinary season in the Bundesliga saw Guirassy break the record for most goals scored after seven games (13), eclipsing the previous best of 11 set twice by Robert Lewandowski.
Stuttgart face a fight to keep the Guinea international this summer due to a release clause of just €17.5m in his contract and The Football Faithful have been informed that Chelsea are monitoring his situation closely.
Chelsea have been linked with signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, though Arsenal are pushing to sign the Slovenian ahead of their London rivals.
A move for Guirassy, who turned 28 in March, would deviate from the West London side’s recruitment focus of targeting emerging talent but the clause in his contract has made him a viable option for the Blues.
Chelsea want to bring in competition and cover for Nicolas Jackson, though are keen to avoid stunting the progress of the Senegalese striker who scored 17 times in his debut season at Stamford Bridge. Guirassy is viewed as an attractive profile of player to add to their forward line and complement Jackson, given his age and the low risk of his transfer fee.
The Blues are also facing financial restraints and are expected to make sales before June 30 to remain compliant with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.
Trevoh Chalobah could be allowed to leave amid reported interest from Manchester United, as Chelsea close in on the free transfer signing of Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham at centre-back. Armando Broja and Romelu Lukaku are also expected to move on as Chelsea free room – and funds – to sign a centre-forward.
