Chelsea eye €35 million deal to sign La Liga forward as they look to bolster squad - Reports
Chelsea are reportedly planning a move for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion. The 20-year-old joined the Rojiblancos last summer but is yet to make his senior debut.
Shortly after his arrival from Granada, Omorodion was loaned out to Alaves, where he contributed eight goals and an assist in 35 games across competitions. All nine goal contributions came in La Liga, where Alaves finished 10th.
Despite being contracted to the Wanda Metropolitano till 2028, Omorodion could be on the move this summer. As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are preparing a €35 million bid for the striker.
It's pertinent to note that Atletico are reportedly interested in Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher, but discussions for Omorodion are being done separately, suggesting a swap deal involving the two appears unlikely.
The Blues have been busy this summer, bolstering their ranks with seven signings and in the reckoning for more reinforcements ahead of the start of the new campaign.
Having parted with Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the season, the Blues have appointed Enzo Maresca, who led Leicester City back to the Premier League in their first attempt by winning the Championship.
A look at how Chelsea fared last season
Chelsea underwent an expensive overhaul last summer, bringing in young players, but the new-look youthful side largely underwhelmed, especially in the Premier League.
Pochettino's side fared well in both domestic cups, losing 1-0 in extra time to Liverpool in the EFL Cup final and 1-0 to holders Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final.
However, the Blues struggled for consistency in the league. Looking set for successive mid-table finishes and without European football, they won their last five games in a remarkable resurgence to finish sixth.
Initially, Pochettino's side had qualified for the UEFA Europa League, but with Manchester United beating City 2-1 in the FA Cup final, the Blues dropped down to the UEFA Europa Conference League instead.
Currently in pre-season, Maresca's side open their 2024-25 Premier League campaign at home to four-time defending champions City on August 18.