The 4 Forwards Chelsea Could Sign Before The Transfer Window Slams Shut

Chelsea are in the market for a forward ahead of the transfer deadline at the end of next week.

The Blues are not expected to be pursuing a no.9 specifically, with the word being that manager Mauricio Pochettino is looking for a more “creative player” who can replace injured pair Christopher Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka.

However, a lot could still happen before the transfer window closes, so we have included a number of different forwards on this list who have been linked with Chelsea in the past few days.

Press the next page as we go through four players that Chelsea could still sign this summer.

1) Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest)

Reports surfaced following the collapse of the deal to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace that the Blues had entered talks with Forest about buying the 22-year-old.

However, not much has been heard about a move for Johnson in recent days. The most likely reason for that is the forward’s asking price.

Johnson was heavily linked with a switch to Brentford earlier in the summer, with the Bees having had two bids rejected for the player last month.

The second offer was said to be worth £35m, so it’s likely that Forest are demanding a fee significantly above that figure.

2) Bradley Barcola (Lyon)

Along with his club teammate Rayan Cherki, the Frenchman has really caught the eye whilst playing for Lyon over the past twelve months.

Barcola can play right across the front three, although he is most comfortable when deployed on the right flank as a conventional winger.

Last season, the 20-year-old scored 7 goals and provided 10 assists in 35 appearances for Lyon, which is a very impressive return considering his age.

Chelsea are not considered favourites to sign Barcola, though, with Paris Saint-Germain remaining the frontrunners to secure his signature ahead of deadline day.

3) Folarin Balogun (Arsenal)

This option may surprise a few fans but the Evening Standard have confirmed that the Blues are seriously contemplating a bid for the American international.

Balogun had an impressive spell in France with Stade de Reims last campaign, scoring 21 goals in all competitions, and he has attracted interest from the likes of Monaco, Inter and AC Milan.

However, most teams have been put off by Arsenal’s asking price which stands at £50m. It’s a sizeable figure for a player who only really has one season of senior football under his belt.

Of course, Chelsea are not afraid of spending big on young talent with limited experience. The £58m they shelled out on Romeo Lavia is a testament to that. However, Balogun would be competing directly with Nicolas Jackson for a starting spot so it would be a lot to pay for a potential backup option.

4) Mohammed Kudus (Ajax)

Chelsea originally enquired about the Ghanaian international almost a month ago, and subsequent reports have suggested that they haven’t been in contact with the player’s camp since the beginning of August.

The likes of Brighton and West Ham have made official bids for Kudus in the meantime, although neither club have managed to snap up the forward.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side could, however, revisit a move for the 22-year-old in the next 10 days. He could cost around £35m to £40m but he would provide cover in a number of positions.

Kudus is comfortable playing as a support striker, right winger, or even as a no.9 if required, so he could prove to be a good addition to the squad.