CloseJames Olley is a senior soccer writer for ESPN.com. Read his archive here and follow him on Twitter: @JamesOlley.
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Samu Omorodion has been on loan at Alavés from Atletico Madrid. Ricardo Larreina/Europa Press via Getty ImagesChelsea have added Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion to their list of targets as they aim to sign a forward this summer, sources have told ESPN.
Chelsea are believed to have indicated a willingness to pay around â¬40 million ($43m) but Atletico value him significantly higher and Chelsea are now assessing their options.
Omorodion, 20, spent last season on loan at Alavés scoring nine goals in 36 games.
Chelsea recognise the need to bolster their attack after relying heavily on Nicolas Jackson to lead line with Christopher Nkunku restricted to just two starts due to a series of injury problems including undergoing knee surgery last August.
Sources have told ESPN they have had a longstanding interest in Napoli's Victor Osimhen but his â¬120m release clause is beyond the club at this stage without significant player sales.
Similarly, Chelsea have been considering a move for their former forward Dominic Solanke but view the £65m ($83m) release clause in his Bournemouth contract as a little high.
As a result, the Blues are looking at possible cheaper alternatives including Aston Villa forward Jhon Durán and now Omorodion, among others.