Chelsea identify Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion as top target after Benjamin Sesko blow

Chelsea have placed Samu Omorodion at the top of their transfer wishlist in attack and hope to reach a speedy agreement for the Atletico Madrid striker to see off strong competition from Serie A.

The Blues are in the market for attacking reinforcements after a mixed debut season for Nicolas Jackson last term, in which the Senegal international – a £32million arrival from Villarreal – managed 17 goals in all competitions.

Benjamin Sesko had been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge but Chelsea have been forced to explore other avenues after the Slovenian decided to put pen to paper on a contract extension at RB Leipzig.

Jhon Duran has emerged as a potential solution up front, with the Aston Villa striker said to be ‘excited’ about the prospect of leading the line under new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

Recent reports emanating out Duran’s native Colombia indicated that Chelsea had even reached an agreement – worth in the region of £42million – for the 20-year-old, who had been playing second fiddle to Ollie Watkins at Villa Park.

However, a new player has come to the fore in west London, with Gianluca Di Marzio naming Omorodion as Chelsea’s ‘first-choice for the attack’ in the summer transfer window.

Omorodion, 20, swapped Granada for Atletico Madrid last summer and spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Alaves, where he scored eight goals in 35 appearances.

The report suggests Chelsea are eager to strike a deal for Omorodion sooner rather than later given the Spain Under-21 international is also attracting strong interest from Roma and Napoli.

Omorodion is yet to feature for Atletico Madrid but the La Liga giants view the youngster as a key player for the future and are reluctant to entertain offers from potential suitors.

The forward, who came through Granada’s youth ranks, is tied into a contract with Atleti until the summer of 2028.

Atleti briefly explored the possibility of recalling Omorodion midway through his loan spell last term, with Diego Simeone speaking highly of the Spaniard back in October.

‘You can see him evolving in the games we’ve followed involving Alaves, Simeone told AS.

‘He’s a young guy, strong, with a lot of speed in long spaces and very good play in the box with his body.

‘Let’s hope he does well at Alaves, because he has a future with Atletico. He spent only a few days with us but he looks humble and hardworking. He will be an important player.’

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