Chelsea transfer news: Bundesliga striker 'identified' as ideal summer signing

Chelsea the head coach Enzo Maresca would have identified his ideal offensive target before next season.

Maresca was recently named to succeed Mauricio Pochettinowho left Stamford Bridge despite finishing 2023-24 with five successive victories.

In agreeing to replace the Argentine, Maresca is said to have accepted, during discussions with the club's recruitment team, that he was prepared to accept Chelsea's policy regarding new signings.

The Italian will need to use the talent at his disposal, deploying it in a possession-based strategy that suits Chelsea's preferences.

Nonetheless, with a new center forward needed to compete with Nicholas JacksonIt appears the 44-year-old was asked for his opinion.

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Openda appears to be an “ideal” target

According to Team discussion, RB Leipzig attacker Lois Openda was identified as the player with the “ideal profile” to join the team.

The report claims the Belgium international “ticks a lot of boxes” with the recruitment team and an approach could naturally be made in due course.

Furthermore, it is added that the 24-year-old's versatility across the forward line is considered attractive by the West Londoners' hierarchy.

Openda proved to be a revelation in his first season in Germany, scoring 28 goals and seven assists in his 42 appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League.

Each of his starts has been in the middle of the attack, but he showed he can be a handful on the flank during the second half of Belgium's Euro 2024 match against Slovakia on Monday night.

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Can Chelsea reach an agreement with Leipzig?

Last summer, Leipzig entered into a deal with Lens that could reach €52 million if Openda activates each of the add-ons present in the deal.

If Chelsea pursued a transfer, they would have to pay more than that figure, with Openda also having four years remaining on his contract.

While Chelsea need to be mindful of their position regarding the Premier League's profit and sustainability regulations, it currently seems logical that they would turn their attention elsewhere.

Aston VillaIt is John Duran has been heavily linked, but much will depend on whether the West Midlands side can sign a Chelsea player in a separate transfer.

Reports emerged Tuesday evening that co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital were also planning to meet. Atletico Madridthe asking price for a young striker Samu Omorodion.

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