Yahoo Sports Chelsea striker search stalled as Blues look to offload duo
Chelsea’s search to sign a centre-forward has been stalled as the Blues look to offload Armando Broja and Romelu Lukaku.
Chelsea have been active in the transfer market to date with the additions of Omari Kellyman, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, while an agreement has been reached to sign highly-rated Brazilian teenager Estêvão Willian from Palmeiras in 2025.
Enzo Maresca’s top priority for the summer transfer window is the addition of a centre-forward, however, as the West Londoners look to provide competition for Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea have extensively assessed the market for potential signings with discussions for multiple targets, including Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, Aston Villa youngster Jhon Duran, and Lille forward Jonathan David.
However, The Football Faithful has been informed that Chelsea’s move for a forwards is being held up by their need to offload Lukaku and Broja.
Despite a desire to sell, the Blues are keen to avoid damaging their negotiating position on the duo by becoming overstocked with centre-forwards. Chelsea are hopeful negotiations can accelerate over the sales, following their respective eliminations from Euro 2024.
Lukaku has spent the past two seasons on loan at Inter Milan and Roma respectively and Chelsea want a fee of £38m for the Belgium international. There is interest from AC Milan, Napoli and the Saudi Pro League in his services.
Broja, meanwhile, addressed his future this week after an underwhelming loan spell at Fulham last season.
The 22-year-old said he has received interest from several clubs but has not ruled out remaining at Chelsea.
“It’s true, I have offers from these three leagues [Serie A, Bundesliga, and the Premier League],” he told Albanian broadcaster RTV Klan (via sempremilan).
“Staying at Chelsea? It is an option, I still have a contract with them that expires in many years.”
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