Chelsea are reportedly close to completing the signing of Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion.
Earlier in the summer transfer window, it was widely reported that the Blues were prepared to spend big money on the Spain Under-21 international.
However, with Alvaro Morata having been sold to AC Milan, Atletico turned down at least two approaches from the Premier League outfit, rather than cash in on the prospect for a huge fee.
In recent weeks, there has been every indication that Chelsea have moved on from their interest in the 20-year-old, instead focusing their attention on Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.
Over the past few days, though, a scenario has played out where it appears more likely than not that Omorodion will make the switch to Stamford Bridge.
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Chelsea hold talks over Omorodion deal
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have managed to agreed a £35m proposal for the striker with their Atletico counterparts.
Negotiations were reignited when officials from the two clubs spoke frequently over the transfer of Conor Gallagher, who has allegedly since agreed to move to Madrid.
Although both deals are said to be separate, there is now a willingness on the behalf of Atletico to sell Omorodion for a far lower fee than they were prepared to earlier in the summer.
Discussions have been made easier by Chelsea agreeing to sell Gallagher for £33m, with co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital also reducing their previous asking price which was in excess of £40m.
As a result, Omorodion will now seemingly compete with Nicolas Jackson and potentially Marc Guiu for a starting role at Stamford Bridge, despite having never represented Atletico and scoring just eight times in 35 outings for Alaves in 2023-24.
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Transfer dependent on Alvarez
Nevertheless, none of the above will allegedly be made official unless Atletico are able to finalise the big-money acquisition of Manchester City's Julian Alvarez.
Atletico are said to have put together a package worth €75m (£64.3m) that is likely to be accepted by City given the Argentina international's desire to command a regular starting spot elsewhere.
Despite possessing a different profile to Morata, Alvarez will seemingly become the direct replacement down the middle of Diego Simeone's attack.
Should that transfer go through, it is suggested that Omorodion's switch to Chelsea will become a formality.
Darren Plant
