With the January 2024 transfer window slowly coming to a close, Chelsea FC is still in search of a perfect reinforcement in the forward department, as the Blues are aiming to sign one striker in the mid-season window.
Chelsea has continued to enquire and show interest in different strikers but here are three of their targets, one of which they could possibly sign before the January transfer window closes, that have caught the attention of many.
Karim Benzema to Chelsea transfer
Karim Benzema has also been revealed as a key target for Chelsea in the January 2024 transfer window, The Al-Ittihad forward, who is currently pushing for a move out of the Saudi Arabian league has been the main focus of top clubs in his bid to return to European football.
The huge concern however centers on Benzema's current wage as the French footballer is revealed to be earning 100 million euros a year at Al-Ittihad. Speculations as to if a loan move is possible have also been factored in by Chelsea according to reports but there are signs that Chelsea might not make the move for Benzema again.
Callum Wilson to Chelsea
Newcastle forward Callum Wilson is one of the strikers linked to joining Chelsea before the end of the January 2024 transfer window. Reports indicate that aside from Chelsea top clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United have both shown interest in signing the English striker who many believe Newcastle might sell for as low as 18 million pounds.
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Concerns however have surfaced about his match fitness level with injury concerns overshadowing his rather impressive stats for Newcastle in the 2022/2023 club football season.
Newcastle United Football Club needs to raise funds to comply with the Premier League's financial fair play rules. The club has spent approximately £400m since its acquisition by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia in 2021.
To raise the necessary funds, the club may consider selling their striker, Wilson, who has scored 46 goals in 102 games for Newcastle. If he is made available for transfer, it could be an interesting development in what has been a quiet January transfer window could be an interesting development in what has been a quiet January transfer window.
Aston Villa's Jhon Duran to Chelsea?
Reports indicate that Chelsea have made enquiries with Aston Villa to sign their second-choice striker Jhon Duran before the January 2024 transfer window closes for a bid that has been revealed to cost as high as 30 million pounds.
The Colombian, who has been linked with an exit from Villa due to his inability to impress Unai Emery, has also attracted interest from another premier league side, West Ham.
West Ham United's bid was a loan bid and as such was rejected by Aston Villa as the club needs to generate funds by the end of June 2024 to comply with Premier League Profit and Sustainability regulations.
The departure of Duran might be an option they could consider to resolve this huge setback. Duran is currently out of the squad due to injury but Chelsea still seem focused on negotiating to bring the Colombian to Stamford Bridge.
Should Duran join Chelsea, it might lead to Armando Broja seeking opportunities elsewhere, as several Premier League competitors are keen on acquiring the 22-year-old, who is valued at approximately £50 million by Stamford Bridge.
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