Chelsea submit bid to sign 21-year-old star linked with Liverpool and Manchester United: Reports
Chelsea have reportedly submitted an offer to sign German international striker Maximilian Beier from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim on a permanent deal. The Blues have become the latest side to submit a concrete offer for the youngster, who had attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester United this summer.
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg revealed that Chelsea have sent in an offer for the 21-year-old striker to join them this summer. Their interest in the young striker was first reported in July but they may face some competition for his signing.
Aston Villa have also submitted an offer for Beier and the lure of playing UEFA Champions League football may sway the striker.
Scoring 16 goals for Hoffenheim in the 2023-24 season catapulted Beier into the view of Europe's finest sides, as well as the German national team. The striker made Julian Nagelsmann's squad for the Euros this summer and featured once in the competition.
Chelsea are in the market for a new striker, particularly given that Nicolas Jackson is set to start the season short of fitness as he still carries an injury. Manager Enzo Maresca has reportedly given the green light for the club to try and sign a new striker or two, and they have decided to move for Beier.
Beier has a release clause of around £25 million in his contract, making his signing very possible for Premier League sides.
The striker is yet to hold talks over a contract with either of the sides, as they look to reach an agreement with his club first. Hoffenheim may be willing to accept a fee less than his release clause to sell Beier this summer.
Chelsea in talks over stunning swap deal - Reports
Chelsea have commenced talks with Serie A giants Napoli over a swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku. The deal will see reigning African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen move in the opposite direction.
Journalist David Ornstein reports that the Blues are now prepared to leverage the interest from Napoli in wantaway striker Lukaku to sign Osimhen. They were previously unwilling to pay his €120 million release clause but will now be open to signing him on loan with an option to buy.
Like Lukaku, Osimhen has made it clear that he does not intend to continue at Napoli beyond this summer, giving Chelsea greater leverage to sign him.
The Blues will be interested in having the 25-year-old at Stamford Bridge given his impressive output while at Napoli, where he has scored 76 goals in 133 appearances.