Chelsea have seven forward players on their shortlist of transfer targets, according to journalist Rob Pratley.
While not all of them are realistic options, due to price and availability, Pratley claims AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, Ajax’s Antony, Newcastle’s Allan Saint-Maximin, Rennes’ Martin Terrier, Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen and Leicester’s Harvey Barnes have all been considered:
Chelsea still retain interest in Rafael Leão and Antony, although both will be extremely expensive. ASM has been considered, as has Martin Terrier. Sané is available at Bayern’s significant asking price. There has been scouting on both Jarrod Bowen and Harvey Barnes.
— Rob (@RJPJournalism) July 30, 2022
Leao is someone that has been linked by a number of top sources, but Milan are said to be holding out for his release clause, which is believed to be a staggering €150m (£125.7m), so that is a non-starter.
A move for Antony is also unlikely, with Ajax having quoted interested parties a price tag of €80m (£67m). Sane and Bowen would have prohibitive valuations too.
Deals for Saint-Maximin, Terrier and Barnes would all probably be achievable, but there are big question marks over whether any of them would be an improvement on what Chelsea have in their squad already.