Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel favours the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Romelu Lukaku and Sergio Aguero if the Blues are to sign a new number nine this summer, according to journalist Ian McGarry.

The reporter isn’t the most reliable source, so take his comments with a pinch of salt, but speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast about the London club’s striker search, he said:

“Tuchel prefers the playing style of Romelu Lukaku, and also Kylian Mbappe, although Mbappe wants to go to Real Madrid And there certainly is a possibility that Sergio Aguero may well become the preferred candidate, given that he is on a free transfer, and has that ability, as long as he stays fit, to get in behind defences and go one on one.”

Numerous reports suggest that Chelsea are among the five clubs interested in signing Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland, along with Manchester City, Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid.

However, the cost of signing the Norwegian international is likely to put them off from making a bid. In addition to the €150m (£130m) transfer fee, the player’s wages and agent commission could double that figure.

McGarry believes that the Blues are highly unlikely to spend that much on one player, especially after shelling out £200m+ on five signings only last year.