Tom Weber
Tom Weber
Updated: 17 Dec 2024 15:28 GMT
3 min read
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea, 2024/25
© IMAGO
Chelsea are interested in Greek wonderkid Stefanos Tzimas, who looks set for an eye-catching summer transfer.
The 18-year-old striker is currently on loan in Germany from boyhood club PAOK. Tzimas joined fallen giants FC Nurnberg in the 2. Bundesliga in the summer and the youngster has been nothing short of sensational.
Coached by Germany legend Miroslav Klose, Tzimas has already developed into one of the most potent strikers in the division, having netted seven times in 13 appearances so far while also providing two assists.
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Tzimas looks set to be the latest young striker polished by Nurnberg, who sold teenage Turkey international Can Uzun to Eintracht Frankfurt for a sizeable €11 million after a breakout season in the summer.
The problem, of course, is that the nine-time German champions don't actually own Tzimas.
Stefanos Tzimas
© IMAGO - Stefanos Tzimas
Chelsea involved in bizarre deal?
What Nurnberg do have, however, is a purchase option in his loan. But there's another problem, and that is namely that this option stands at a whopping €18m, which is a fee the club couldn't pay even in their wildest dreams.
Nurnberg, like most fallen giants of the German game, have had to pinch pennies in recent years - and yet, they are seriously considering triggering his clause.
The idea, of course, would be to immediately flip Tzimas on for a profit and, according to Sky Germany, the second-tier side are aiming for a net return in the region of €3m-€5m, so a potential suitor would have to pay well in excess of €20m for the teenager as PAOK also boast a sell-on percentage.
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Obviously, Nurnberg will only exercise their option if they have guarantees from the prospective buyer that the deal will actually go through. The German outlet mentions that Premier League sides Chelsea, Newcastle and Aston Villa are all keeping tabs on Tzimas.
The youngster would fit into Chelsea's transfer model and given that Nicolas Jackson has been in good form, the Blues may seek to add another young striker rather than an established, big-money option like Victor Osimhen.
Chelsea certainly have no problem with splashing the cash on relatively unproven talent. They paid €20 million for Mike Penders in the summer despite the fact that the goalkeeper has only made four senior appearances in his career.
Tzimas, by contrast, has already played 44 first-team games at 18, scoring 12 goals.