Chelsea are now in regular talks to sign an "incredible" Champions League star this summer, with BlueCo ready to launch a move.
Blues stepping up pursuit of new striker despite Pedro's form
Joao Pedro has been in inspired form in recent weeks, netting eight goals in his last eight Premier League games, and the Brazilian was singled out for very high praise from Liam Rosenior after the recent 4-1 victory against Aston Villa.
Courtesy of scoring a hat-trick in the emphatic win at Villa Park, the centre-forward flew up the Premier League goal-scoring charts, moving up to fourth place.
Premier League top scorers 2025-26 Club Goals
Erling Haaland Manchester City 22
Igor Thiago Brentford 18
Antoine Semenyo Manchester City 15
Joao Pedro Chelsea 14
Hugo Ekitike Liverpool 11
Liam Delap, on the other hand, has struggled, scoring just one Premier League goal all season, and the Englishman has fallen down the pecking order as of late, predominantly being used as a late substitute.
With Delap failing to adapt to life at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea have set out to sign a new striker this summer, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they have been in regular talks about a deal for Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez.
Alvarez would prefer to sign for Barcelona, rather than joining the Blues or rival suitors Arsenal, but he would be prepared to move back to the Premier League if the La Liga heavyweights are unable to tempt Atletico into a sale.
Atletico de Madrid's Julian Alvarez (r) and FK Bodo:Glimt's Sondre Auklend
A deal could be pricey, with a potential fee of at least €100m (£86m) touted, with a TEAMtalk source adding: "Barca have been told from Alvarez’s side that this will not become a saga. They know both Arsenal and Chelsea are ready to go, they really want him.
"Alvarez’s camp talking to Arsenal and Chelsea is no tactic, they are very serious. He is happy to move to London and join one of Europe’s biggest clubs – that is not a problem to him and that has been made clear."
"Incredible" Alvarez could be huge upgrade on Delap
Reporter Roy Nemer has been left impressed by the Argentinian's performances this season, taking to X to laud him back in September.
Unlike Delap, who has just two goals to his name in all competitions this season, the 26-year-old has regularly been on the scoresheet, netting 16 goals in 41 matches for Atletico, while also providing seven assists.
Alvarez is far more experienced than Delap in the Champions League, picking up 22 goals and eight assists in 37 matches in Europe's elite competition, and he could be a huge upgrade on the Englishman.