Chelsea are interested in Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion as they look for a new center forward this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 20-year-old Spaniard recently completed a promising season on loan at Alaves, where he scored nine goals in 35 La Liga games.
Omorodion, regarded as one of Spain’s best attacking talents, has a £67 million (€80 million) release clause, according to Romano, and Chelsea is willing to compromise in order to lessen Atletico’s expectations.
Following the appointment of manager Enzo Maresca, the Blues are looking for a new striker, and Omorodion is being considered as an option to Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran, who is also being pursued by Chelsea.
The London club want to sign a new forward to compete with Nicolas Jackson, who had a rocky start at Stamford Bridge last season and failed to convince fans he is a certain starter.
Maresca will be eager to bring in additional firepower to begin off his Chelsea stay in style, as the Blues lost out on the top four again and will compete in the Europa Conference League next season.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano indicates that Chelsea ‘like’ Omorodion, but are exploring other options, including Jhon Duran.
“The player has a release clause in his contract, €80 million. This is the value of the clause. For Samu Omorodion, Chelsea obviously have no intention to pay that kind of money, so the only way to make it happen for Chelsea is to find an agreement with Atletico Madrid, not triggering the clause in his contract.
“But Chelsea’s interest is genuine, Chelsea like the player. Let me clarify, what I’m hearing tonight is that he is not the only one, because Chelsea keep considering other options. Among these options, there is also Jhon Duran.”
Omorodion, who joined Atletico from Granada barely a year ago, has yet to make an appearance for Diego Simeone’s team but was praised by the Spanish boss for his efforts last season.
The striker of Nigerian heritage, described as ‘modest and diligent’, has shown excellent development in the last year and could be rewarded with a shot at one of Europe’s elite teams this summer.