Chelsea have a four-player shortlist of transfer targets as the club look to sign a striker before Friday’s deadline.
Enzo Maresca has made public his desire to bring in a number nine this week with the Italian having said Chelsea are assessing centre-forwards who can ‘make a difference’.
Armando Broja and Romelu Lukaku are expected to leave before Friday’s deadline, leaving Chelsea short of recognised competition for Nicolas Jackson.
Negotiations remain ongoing with Napoli over the signing of Victor Osimhen, though Chelsea face strong competition from Al-Ahli.
The Saudi Pro League side have submitted an improved proposal to sign the Nigeria international, who is valued at around £86m.
Osimhen’s reluctance to move on loan and salary demands have complicated Chelsea’s pursuit of the player, though discussions continue with Napoli to thrash out a deal.
Fabrizio Romano has claimed Chelsea have a four-man shortlist of number nines. Brentford forward Ivan Toney is understood to be under consideration, having pushed for an exit from West London this summer.
The 28-year-old wants to leave Brentford for a new challenge and the Bees have reluctantly accepted his wishes, after Toney entered the final season of his contract at the club. There has also been interest in the England international from Saudi Arabia.
Chelsea’s other two targets are unconfirmed, though there is a long-standing interest in Jhon Duran, of Aston Villa.
The Colombian was subject of approaches from Chelsea in the January window and earlier this summer, though appeared to indicate that he would be remaining with Aston Villa after scoring in the win at West Ham earlier this month.
Samu Omorodion, who Chelsea agreed a fee for earlier in the transfer window before withdrawing from the deal, has since joined FC Porto from Atletico Madrid.
