It's no secret that Chelsea chiefs look set to sign a new forward for Enzo Maresca this summer, and many high-profile names have already been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge.
Strikers reportedly targeted by Chelsea
According to recent reports, BlueCo are very keen to bring in a goalscorer of a certain profile, and one who can provide that extra proficiency upfront - which is what Chelsea have arguably been missing for a while.
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The Blues are now seen as favourites.
Nicolas Jackson has scored just one Premier League goal this calendar year, while 19-year-old Marc Guiu is inexperienced and has spent the last three-plus months out with a serious hamstring injury.
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Winger Pedro Neto has often featured as a striker under Maresca since the turn of the year, and Christopher Nkunku has suffered a similar drop in form to Jackson when given the opportunity and available to call upon.
It is clear as day that Chelsea need further options in the striker position, with Eintracht Frankfurt starlet Hugo Ekitiké, Ipswich Town's Liam Delap, RB Leipzig ace Benjamin Sesko and Napoli outcast Victor Osimhen all under consideration in the Cobham offices (Simon Phillips).
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Barring Delap, who is widely reported to have a £30 million release clause tied in with Ipswich's relegation from the Premier League, all the aforementioned forwards are likely to cost a marquee fee.
With a host of other top English sides, like Arsenal and Man United, also after a striker, Chelsea will also face significant competition to sign their top striker targets.
Their willingness to make the move to west London will be a crucial factor, and some reports suggest that Osimhen in particular remains keen to join Chelsea regardless of their Champions League status next season.
This is echoed by comments from John Obi-Mikel, who shed light on the Nigerian's failed move to Chelsea last summer.
"He wants to play for Chelsea. I hope [he’ll be playing] somewhere in the Premier League," said Obi-Mikel to beIN Sports in April.
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“I know where we stopped in terms of the contract, I know where we are. It’s an easy fix, because we’ve done all the hard work last summer. It’s so easy to just pick it up and then the deal is done.
“This guy does what he does best, scores goals, and that’s what we’ve lacked this season. We don’t score enough, and that’s why we’re where we are today. With Osimhen, that’s what he does.”
Joao Pedro is also keen on joining Chelsea
As per ex-Premier League chief scout Mick Brown, who worked at Man United during their most successful period, Brighton star Joao Pedro is also pretty keen on a switch to Maresca's side.
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While some reports suggest a £100 million price tag, others claim he's valued at a more realistic £60 million, indicating there could be a deal there to be done. Brown claims to Football Insider that Pedro has told his close circle that he's interested in joining Chelsea, so the willingness from his side is also present.
"I hear he’s spoken to people around him about a move, and he would be interested in Chelsea," said Brown.
"He wants to make a step up from Brighton as they’re going to miss out on European football again. It's just a case of whether they decide he’s the right man for the job."
The Brazilian has bagged 10 goals and a further seven assists in 30 top-flight appearances for the Seagulls, so the jury is out on whether he'd genuinely improve Maresca's current options.