Chelsea are now planning to sign a Premier League forward who Enzo Maresca described as "fantastic" earlier this season, having identified him as a key target, according to a report.
Chelsea stepping up pursuit of new forwards after Arsenal defeat
The Blues' toothless attacking performance at the Emirates Stadium yesterday underlined the need for Maresca to strengthen his attacking options this summer, and they have been stepping up their pursuit of new forwards over the past week.
The west Londoners came out of nowhere to beat Manchester United to the signature of winger Geovany Quenda, but with the Portuguese starlet not set to join until 2026, they could also enter the market for different attacking talent this summer.
Ipswich Town's Liam Delap appears to be a key target, with a pre-summer £60m bid being prepared for the Englishman, while Maresca's side are also known to be huge admirers of AFC Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo.
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Enzo Maresca is plotting an ambitious swoop...
There had been reports Jadon Sancho could be in line for a surprise return to Manchester United this summer, rather than completing a permanent move to Stamford Bridge, but the transfer saga has now taken another twist.
According to a report from Spain, Chelsea are planning to steal Sancho from Man Utd for a fee of £25m, having identified him as a key target.
Jadon Sancho for Chelsea
BlueCo have made the decision to keep the winger permanently, and the board have now started work on a deal, making it clear they have no desire to let him return to his parent club at the end of the season.
It appears as though a deal should be simple enough to conclude, given that there is a mandatory £25m buyout clause included in the 24-year-old's loan deal.
"Fantastic" Sancho has impressed at times this season
The London-born winger made a flying start to the campaign, picking up assists in each of his first three Premier League outings, while also receiving praise from Maresca for the work he has been putting in on the training ground.
That said, it is probably wise to be skeptical about the latest report, which suggests Chelsea are determined to keep hold of the Man Utd loanee, considering his form has dropped off considerably in recent times.
The former Borussia Dortmund man is now without a single goal contribution in his last nine Premier League outings, and he is starting to look like the player he was for large parts of his Old Trafford career.
It seems like Chelsea are set to sign Sancho this summer, so Maresca will be hoping the winger can rekindle his form from the start of the season after the upcoming international break.