Chelsea agree deal to sign new number 9 striker

Chelsea have been given a double boost in their transfer pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion. The Blues have already enquired about possibly signing the 20-year-old this summer with a verbal bid also having been tabled, though that was swiftly rejected by the Spanish club.

Jonathan David, Viktor Gyokeres, Jhon Duran and Victor Osimhen have also been linked as potential attacking additions, though Omorodion appears as the priority with Chelsea believing he is one of the best strikers currently on the market.

While Chelsea's admiration of is clear, it may not be an easy transfer to complete with the Nigeria international not exactly appearing keen on departing Spain.

Speaking to Marca, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano, he recently said: "My focus is on Atletico. I noticed that the people of Atletico supported me a lot. I also received a lot of support from the club, they told me to stay calm, that they trusted me. That is very gratifying for a player."

However, if that stance does change in the remaining weeks of the summer window, Chelsea may have the green light to sign him because of Atletico's interest in Conor Gallagher. "Chelsea and Atletico have been speaking all summer," Telegraph journalist Matt Law told London Is Blue Podcast.

"Samu Omorodion is Chelsea's top centre-forward target. A deal may happen if Chelsea can bring down Atletico's price for Samu & Gallagher goes to Atletico in a separate deal.” The Chelsea midfielder has been linked to a Stamford Bridge exit over the last few months, as his contract expires next summer, with Atletico one club interested.

Alongside Gallagher, Romelu Lukaku has also been linked to a departure with Antonio Conte keen on bringing him to Napoli. Talks between both parties have already occurred with an agreement now in place over personal terms, according to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg.

While Lukaku appears one step closer to moving on permanently, the two clubs still need to agree on a fee with a €15million (£12.6m) gap in valuation currently present. However, the Italian outfit will be hoping for a transfer green light of their own with Paris Saint-Germain pushing to sign Osimhen with a completed deal opening the door for Lukaku returning to Italy and potentially Omorodion to west London.