<\/p>\n
Chelsea<\/a> have \u2018approached\u2019 Stuttgart\u2019s German centre-forward Nick Woltemade over a possible transfer<\/a> to Stamford Bridge this summer, according to German transfer expert Julian Agardi<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Recent reports from several media outlets indicate Chelsea are looking to add a second striker to their squad following the successful signing of England U21 forward Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.<\/p>\n The club have been heavily linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, but the German club\u2019s steep valuation of the player has made the deal improbable.<\/p>\n It appears the Blues have now set their sights on Woltemade, who is valued at \u00a325m by Transfermarkt<\/a>, as a cut-price centre-forward option for their attack.<\/p>\n According to Agardi<\/em>, Chelsea made an approach to Woltemade before the U21 Euro tournament kicked off in Slovakia.<\/p>\n The German journalist adds that the East Londoners informed the 6ft 4in forward, who netted a hat-trick for Germany U21 on Friday, that they were keeping tabs on him while also evaluating his current deal with Stuttgart.<\/p>\n With a contract at the MHPArena that runs until 2028, Die Schwaben are resolved on keeping Woltemade amid Chelsea\u2019s interest, as Agardi<\/em> notes that the club are set to open talks over a potential salary increase for the German forward.<\/p>\n Following his free transfer from Werder Bremen last season, Woltemade emerged as one of the breakout stars in the Bundesliga and stood out as a bright spark in Stuttgart\u2019s disappointing campaign, which ended with a ninth-place finish.<\/p>\n He netted 17 goals and 2 assists across all competitions for Sebastian Hoene\u00df\u2019s side, including a goal in the DFB Pokal final, which helped the club secure European qualification for next season. It\u2019s no surprise, then, that the club are now looking to keep him.<\/p>\n However, like many young stars across Europe, the Premier League<\/a>\u2014widely regarded as the best league in the world\u2014presents a unique allure, making them eager to move to England.<\/p>\nCut-price option<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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