Chelsea are preparing a huge bid for a “spectacular” forward, who has now been identified as a priority target.
Blues readying offer for new forward to lead their project
Liam Rosenior has hinted there could be some new additions to his squad before the February 2nd deadline, saying last week: “We’re in a constant conversation, twice, three, four times a day, because the market moves so quickly.
“In January, things come up that you don’t expect, or you might get offers in for your players that you don’t expect. So we’re very open, collaborative.
“I’ve already had two conversations today, and I think it’s not even two o’clock in the afternoon here about the window, but we’ll keep working, and if we think something is right for the club in or out, we’ll make that decision.”
Bringing in a new centre-back has been on the agenda, with Rennes’ Jeremy Jacquet among the main targets, but there is a feeling a deal may need to wait until the summer transfer window, as the French club have little interest in sanctioning a departure this month.
Having signed the likes of Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho in the previous summer transfer window, there is arguably no need to bring in yet another young forward this month, but BlueCo are preparing a bid for the end of the season.
That is according to a report from Spain, which reveals Chelsea are now preparing a formal offer of around €80m (£69m) for Real Madrid forward Endrick, who is currently on loan at Lyon, and there is a belief he could lead their sporting project.
The Brazilian has now emerged as a priority target for the Blues, but a whole host of Europe’s top clubs are also keen, including Barcelona, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, which could raise his price tag.
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Madrid are in a strong negotiating position, with the 19-year-old tied down until 2030, but a £69m bid would be difficult to turn down for a player that isn’t currently in their first-team plans.
“Spectacular” Endrick proving his worth at Lyon
The 19-year-old was unable to force his way into Xabi Alonso’s plans, prior to the Spaniard’s departure, but he has made a flying start to life at Lyon, scoring three goals in his opening two Ligue 1 games.
Lauded as “spectacular” by former manager Carlo Ancelotti, the starlet scored a hat-trick against Metz, in what was a fantastic all-round performance, securing a 10 SofaScore match rating, courtesy of also winning six of the seven duels he contested.
The teenager is exhibiting very promising signs at Lyon, while also impressing at Madrid last season, netting five goals in six Copa del Rey outings, but it is still very early days.
As such, Chelsea should continue to monitor Endrick’s performances between now and the end of the season, before launching a £69m bid, which could make him one of their most expensive signings of all time.