Another busy summer transfer window is expected at Chelsea.
Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital's takeover of the club three years ago, as outlined by Ollie Hopkins of Opta's the Analyst, the Blues have signed over 40 senior players, costing in excess of £1bn, but are unlikely to slow down their spending any time soon.
todd-boehly-chelsea-premier-league
On the pitch, ahead of the final day of the Premier League season, Enzo Mareca's side could still end up in any of UEFA's three club competitions, requiring a victory over Nottingham Forest to secure Champions League qualification.
Meanwhile, in the background, are the Blues targeting one of the division's best wide-forwards?
Chelsea targeting a big-money move
According to a report by Caught Offside, Chelsea are lining up a move to sign Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon, who they claim is valued at around £75m by the Magpies.
The outlet claims that they are considering a move to reignite their interest in the forward, whilst Arsenal and Liverpool are among the other Premier League teams eyeing up the English whiz.
Wayne Veysey of Football Insider also notes the England international is once again on Liverpool's 'radar', with Mark Douglas of the i Paper documenting Arsenal's interest too.
Nevertheless, Chelsea hold a long-standing interest in Gordon, making a £40m bid in the summer of 2022, six months before he moved to Newcastle from Everton instead, so could they be back in for him?
How Gordon would improve Chelsea's selection of wingers
Despite having plenty of options in that position, winger is certainly a position Maresca will want to strengthen this summer.
Chelsea-U21-signings-under-Todd-Boehly (timeless)
So, let's assess how Gordon compares to the Blues' existing selection of wide-forwards.
Anthony Gordon vs Chelsea's winger 2024/25 PL comparison
Statistics
Gordon|Cole
Palmer|Noni
Madueke|Jadon
Sancho|Pedro
Neto|
|Appearances|33|36|31|30|34|
|Minutes|2,401|3,110|1,961|1,703|2,191|
|Goals|6|15|7|3|4|
|Assists|6|9|4|5|5|
|Shots on target %|28.6%|35.8%|38%|33.3%|29.8%|
|Progressive carries|118|118|150|100|123|
|Progressive passes|95|212|68|88|60|
|Shot-creating actions|100|200|78|68|89|
|Goal-creating actions|12|15|8|10|8|
|Big chances created|6|23|6|6|10|
|Big chances missed|10|14|14|3|1|
|Touches per 90|47|52|43|50|46|
|Average Sofascore Rating|7.05|7.64|7.04|6.97|7.04|
|Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and SofaScore|
As the table outlines, pretty much across the board, Cole Palmer's statistics are the most impressive out of the quintet, despite the fact he has scored just one goal in all competitions since mid-January.
Cole Palmer looks frustrated for Chelsea
Nevertheless, when compared to Chelsea's other wide-forwards, Gordon's numbers are more favourable, specifically in terms of goals and assists, as well as progressive carries and shot-creating actions.
In total, Gordon has nine goals to his name this season, scoring 22 times in 105 appearances for the Magpies to date, and the Toon Army's love and appreciation for him was made abundantly clear by a gigantic tifo, which was on display prior to September's 1-1 draw with Manchester City, in which he scored the equaliser from the penalty spot.
Ryan Benson of Opta's the Analyst outlines how Gordon has become a 'key player' at Newcastle, praising 'his work rate' and tenacity alongside 'his attacking output', while Chris Waugh of the Athletic documents how his 'versatility' is a strength, while noting that 'he is most effective playing as a left-sided forward'.
Meantime, Andreas Andersen describes him as a 'direct winger' who is 'extremely quick and direct with... the ball' at his feet.
Anthony Gordon celebrates for Newcastle
Like the aforementioned Palmer, who came before, Gordon would be a wide-forward joining from a Premier League rival with a big price-tag, but he, too, could live up to the hype and elevate the Blues to the next level.
At just 24 years old, there is certainly room for Gordon to get better and better, underlining that he would be an excellent addition for Chelsea, even if a very expensive one.
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Chelsea's interest is "concrete" and "genuine".