Chelsea's pursuit of a striker in this summer's transfer window is starting to ramp up. Even with Nicolas Jackson absent, the Blues were able to pick up two important wins in the final weeks of the season to qualify for the Champions League.
As a result of their top-five finish, significant investment can likely be sanctioned with a striker at the top of the club's shortlist. Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, Alexander Isak, Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, Victor Osimhen and Jonathan David have all been linked.
Newcastle also securing Champions League football makes a move for Isak extremely unlikely. The remaining six names are concrete targets however, with some big decisions seemingly made over the last 24 hours.
With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Chelsea striker transfer rumours ahead of the summer window opening.
Osimhen hint
Despite making it clear on a number of occasions how much he has enjoyed his time at Galatasaray, a return to Turkiye for Osimhen next season is highly unlikely.
The man himself has now seemingly confirmed that as in his Instagram post, a song called 'before I go' by Kodak Black is layered over the top.
football.london says: Osimhen will likely spend the next seven days saying his goodbyes with Galatasaray ending their season this weekend at home to Istanbul Basaksehir.
Even without confirmation, Osimhen joining the Turkish giants on a permanent basis was never really considered likely but perhaps not many would have expected him to become so affiliated with the club.
Nonetheless, it looks as though Juventus and Chelsea will be the clubs competing for his signature though the latter are being linked to a whole host of names. The Serie A side will also only likely pursue a deal if they are able to sell Dusan Vlahovic.
Ekitike decision
According to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea have definitely entered the race to sign Ekitike from Frankfurt.
However, it will cost £84million (€100m) to sign him with the 22-year-old Frenchman having scored 22 goals in all competitions this season.
football.london says: Ekitike is undeniably a talented footballer, but such a significant fee for a player that is still quite raw would be quite the commitment.
If he was a little bit older, a more experienced striker was already at the club and his asking price was lower, it would be a deal worth considering. However, when Delap, Gyokeres and even Sesko are available for less, it makes little sense to proceed with a deal.
Frankfurt quite clearly don't want to lose their star asset and with Champions League football secured, they have no reason to sell and that is reflected by their demands which Chelsea should not entertain.
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Chelsea flag prior the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final Leg One match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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