Club find replacement for £40m man after Chelsea held talks about signing him
Atalanta have now shortlisted El Bilal Touré in case Rasmus Hojlund – a target for Chelsea – leaves this summer.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano.
So, what is the latest on Rasmus Hojlund and Chelsea? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the reliable Italian journalist recently revealed that Chelsea have held talks about signing the Denmark international this summer, as Mauricio Pochettino looks to buy a new striker.
Another update from the Daily Mail claimed that Chelsea are ready to pounce on Hojlund.
Now, the Blues could be given encouragement to make a move as Atalanta prepare for life after the Dane.
Romano has revealed that the Serie A side are looking at El Bilal Touré as a potential replacement for Hojlund, and if the Almeria forward does make the move to Italy, it could set the wheels in motion on Atalanta’s No.17 moving to Chelsea.
The Blues do – however – face competition from Manchester United.
Hojlund – who The Times state is valued at £40m – has played his way onto Chelsea’s radar after scoring 16 goals and providing seven assists in 42 appearances across the 2022/23 campaign.
Chelsea may be tempted to sign Hojlund in addition to Jackson
Some may be asking why Chelsea are still being linked with Hojlund when talks to sign Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal are at a very advanced stage.
The Senegal international has agreed personal terms over a move to Stamford Bridge – according to Romano – and Chelsea are now discussing how to pay his £30m release clause.
In our view, Chelsea could be tempted to sign Hojlund as well as Jackson mainly due to the figures involved.
If the Blues really can sign the Dane for £40m, it would mean a double deal for Jackson and Hojlund, two of the best young strikers in Europe, would cost just £70m.
That is far more attractive for Chelsea than pursuing Victor Osimhen, for example, a man who 90min claimed was Pochettino’s No.1 striker target – Napoli are demanding £155m for the Nigerian.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Chelsea could soon make a concrete move for Hojlund.