Chelsea are considering a blockbuster move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez in the summer, reports Spanish publication Fichajes.
The Blues spent big on their frontline earlier in the year to bring both Liam Delap and Joao Pedro to Stamford Bridge from Ipswich and Brighton, respectively.
However, Delap has struggled to transfer his solid Ipswich form to Chelsea, and is yet to score a league goal following his arrival.
Pedro, meanwhile, has fared better, scoring four goals and providing three assists, but the Brazilian did endure a six-game goalless run earlier in the season.
And with Chelsea looking to launch a sustained title push sooner rather than later, they have earmarked Alvarez as a potential incomer next year.
Alvarez impressing for Atletico
Alvarez has shone for Atletico Madrid since leaving City for Spain last summer, scoring 17 times in his debut season in the capital.
The 25-year-old has struck seven league goals this season but Atletico’s sub-par start to the season means Diego Simeone’s side sit six points off league leaders and rivals Real Madrid.
Chelsea will hope to lure the Argentina international back to England and are willing to test Atletico’s resolve with a €150m bid for the striker in the offing.
The Premier League outfit, who are currently third in the table following their 3-0 win over Wolves last weekend, won’t be the only side in the running for Alvarez should Atletico entertain the idea of selling their prized forward.
Chelsea would face competition for striker
French giants PSG were credited with an interest in Alvarez prior to his move to Atletico, and the player himself has confirmed elsewhere that discussions between the forward and the Champions League winners took place.
La Liga champions Barcelona, meanwhile, have earmarked Alvarez as a potential replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
Lewandowski turned 37 back in August, yet despite struggling with injury this season, the Poland international has scored seven league goals this season after hitting a hat-trick against Celta Vigo last weekend.
Chelsea, though, will hope to beat the European giants to the signing of Alvarez as they look to revamp their frontline.
The Blues are among the division’s top scorers this season having struck 21 times in the opening 11 matches.
