Chelsea reportedly offered a fee of £61m late in the summer transfer window to sign Juventus striker Kenan Yildiz.
The Blues have had a decent start to the new season, winning two of their four opening games and remaining unbeaten. Their most recent result was a 2-2 draw against Brentford, which they almost won, but for a late Bees equaliser.
Enzo Maresca has overseen a great start from new striker Joao Pedro, who has scored two goals in his opening four league games for the Blues; however, it is with the absence of Liam Delap, who is injured. The English striker is set to be out for at least 10 weeks, which is a huge loss for Chelsea.
Delap’s injury is made worse by the fact that the Blues sold Nicolas Jackson to Bayern Munich during the summer transfer window, and they now have a considerable lack of depth up front.
Chelsea saw Yildiz bid rejected by Juventus
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Fresh reports in Italy are now saying that Chelsea did try and replace Jackson late on in the transfer window, as they reportedly targeted Juventus striker Kenan Yildiz.
According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Chelsea saw a £61m bid for Yildiz rejected by the Old Lady, who wanted to extend the Turkish international’s contract in Turin rather than sell him on. The Italian club wanted to sell Dusan Vlahovic instead, but no buyer was found, despite interest from Man United.
Yildiz made 52 appearances for Juventus last term, scoring 12 goals, and providing nine assists. He has already scored one goal with three assists in three Serie A games so far this season, and is primed for a big year.
However, it seems that Juventus’ desire to keep the 20-year-old mean that if Chelsea do want to add another striker in January, they will have to look elsewhere rather than re-ignite their interest in the Turkish international.
Click here to see Chelsea’s first team squad as they begin their Champions League campaign.