Chelsea overtake Premier League rivals in race to sign new £70m+ striker

Chelsea have now overtaken one Premier League rival in the race to sign a “world-class” striker, who has a release clause of £71m, according to a report.

Chelsea’s top four hopes take blow at the Emirates

After a very strong start to the Premier League season, the Blues’ form has taken a nosedive since the turn of the year, and they now have a real battle on their hands to finish in the top four and secure Champions League football for the 2025-26 campaign.

A 1-0 defeat away at Arsenal was the latest poor result for Enzo Maresca’s side, who struggled to produce any real chances in a drab affair at the Emirates Stadium, with Mikel Merino’s first-half goal for the Gunners proving to be the decisive moment.

Pedro Neto was starved of service in the unfavoured position of striker, with the 25-year-old leading the line due to the absence of Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu, who remain sidelined with injuries.

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Enzo Maresca is plotting an ambitious swoop…

The lack of striker options could be a sign Maresca needs to bring in a top forward in the summer transfer window, and there has now been a promising update on Chelsea’s pursuit of Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Blues have now overtaken Premier League rivals Liverpool in the race for Thuram, but there could be fierce competition from Arsenal, as the Gunners have also moved ahead of the league leaders.

Should any of the three Premier League clubs decide to formalise their interest with an offer, it could take a huge bid to prise the striker away from Inter, given that he has a £71m release clause incuded in his contract, although that could soon change.

Inter are currently trying to tie the Frenchman down to a new deal, given that he is a key part of their future plans, but it remains to be seen whether the widespread interest from the Premier League turns his head.

“World-class” Thuram impressing in Serie A and Europe

The 27-year-old was on fire in front of goal at the beginning of the campaign, and he received high praise from journalist Zach Lowy after scoring in his side’s 2-0 victory over Como back in December.

There are signs the Italy-born striker is now entering his prime, given that his attacking numbers have improved dramatically since moving to the Serie A, having previously played for Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany and Guingamp in France.

Goals in both legs against Feyenoord in Inter’s recent Champions League round of 16 clash demonstrate Thuram has what it takes to compete at the highest level, indicating he could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea, who will be hoping to return to Europe’s elite competition next season.