Chelsea WITHDRAW from race to sign €80m star

Cameron Smith

• 12 Jul 2024 12:00 BST
• 3 min read

Chelsea have pulled out of the race to sign Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion, according to reports in Spain.

The 20-year-old impressed on loan at Alaves last season and he has emerged as a key target for the Blues over the past few weeks.

However, Atletico Madrid are determined to keep Omorodion, while the player himself is eager to prove himself at the Wanda Metropolitano.

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According to Spanish outlet Marca, Chelsea have withdrawn from their offer for Omorodion and will focus their attention on signing a striker with more experience at the highest level.

Chelsea had reportedly seen a €50 million bid for Omorodion turned down by Atletico Madrid, with the Spanish giants unwilling to sell him for less than his €80m release clause.

Memphis Depay has already left Atleti upon the expiration of his contract, while Alvaro Morata has been heavily linked with a move to AC Milan, with the Rossoneri eyeing a move for the Spain international after failing to land Manchester United-bound Joshua Zirkzee.

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Chelsea move on from Samu Omorodion

Marca’s report states that Chelsea will focus their attention on Lille’s Jonathan David and Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi after withdrawing from the race to sign Omorodion.

Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran was previously a major target for the west London club, although reports of a move to Stamford Bridge have quietened down and he has now reportedly agreed personal terms with West Ham United.

Chelsea could loan new signing Marc Guiu to Sevilla following his €6m summer move from Barcelona and are on the hunt for another forward as a result.

The Blues have also signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Omari Kellyman and Tosin Adarabioyo so far this summer, while Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian will join the club in 2025.

Ian Maatsen, Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson, Hakim Ziyech and Thiago Silva have all left the club. Kepa Arrizabalaga is reportedly training with Chelsea’s development squad and could soon join the list of departees.