Chelsea have now joined the race to sign a Premier League forward who has “blistering pace”, but a deal would amount to at least £43m, according to a report.
Blues attacking issues on display at Craven Cottage
Although the Blues were ultimately able to overturn a one-goal deficit to secure a 2-1 victory against Fulham on Sunday afternoon, their attacking issues were once again on display prior to the late comeback.
It was a drab affair at Craven Cottage, with Enzo Maresca’s side lacking a spark and recording an xG of just 0.90 throughout the match, while Nicolas Jackson once again failed to find the back of the net prior to being replaced by youngster Tyrique George.
George scored the equalising goal to ignite the comeback, but the overall performance suggests the west Londoners may need to bolster their attacking options this summer, and they have now joined the race to sign a Premier League winger.
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The Blues are closely monitoring a “wonderful” midfielder ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop.
ByDominic Lund
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Chelsea are now monitoring Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, given the Sweden international’s impressive performances in the Premier League this season.
However, the Blues are not alone in their pursuit of Elanga, with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United also keeping an eye on developments ahead of the summer transfer window.
Forest have not placed the 22-year-old on the transfer list, but a bid of over €50m (£43m) would make the Tricky Trees consider a sale, although they are also weighing up the possibility of offering the former Manchester United man a new deal.
Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures
Date
Everton (h)
April 26th
Djurgarden (a)
May 1st
Liverpool (h)
May 4th
Djurgarden (h)
May 8th
Newcastle United (a)
May 11th
Elanga making a name for himself at Forest
Like many players in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, the young forward struggled at Man United, picking up just four goals and four assists in 55 appearances for the Red Devils, but he has started to make a name for himself since moving to the City Ground.
In an impressive 2023-24 campaign with Forest, the right-winger amassed 14-goal contributions in the Premier League, notably scoring the only goal of the game to secure a 1-0 victory for his side at Stamford Bridge in September 2023.
Since then, the Swede has continued to impress, with journalist Ryan Taylor left impressed by his “blistering pace” last month, which was also on display during Forest’s 1-0 victory against Man United at the start of April.
At 22, Elanga is at the right age to be a long-term success at Stamford Bridge, and his performances since signing for Forest indicate he could be well worth the fee of over £43m, which could be demanded for his services.