Chelsea 'looking' at £50m Victor Osimhen alternative as striker transfer chase continues amid Ivan Toney blow

Chelsea are said to be ‘considering’ a late move for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran and Brighton starlet Evan Ferguson as they are set to miss out on their preferred striker targets of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Brentford’s Ivan Toney.

The Blues already offered a £40m bid for the 20-year-old Duran earlier in the transfer window, but they are now said to be willing to offer their own players as part of the deal.

Enzo Maresca has over 40 players in his squad and the Italian head coach is aware of the necessity of trimming down the side before adding any further stars to it. With the 11pm deadline on summer transfers fast approaching, the Stamford Bridge club are trying to source last minute deals for the likes of Raheem Sterling and Trevoh Chalobah but remain intent on adding an attacking figure to their ranks.

Both Al-Ahli bound stars of Osimhen and Toney had been heavily linked with a move to SW6 but it would appear that even Chelsea were not able to stave off their fierce financial competition of the Saudi Pro League and now the Blues’ transfer intentions have turned elsewhere.

According to the report in The Times Chelsea are considering late moves for Durán and Ferguson. They have been given permission to speak to Duran following their earlier bid in the summer. Ferguson’s availability remains more uncertain, with the Republic of Ireland international currently struggling with an ankle injury from last season.

O’Riley’s injury on debut has also hindered Billy Gilmour’s Amex Stadium departure to Napoli with the Seagulls now reluctant to part ways with the Scottish midfielder.

Ferguson, 19, has already been the recipient of interest from Chelsea’s big six rivals Manchester United. It was reported earlier in August that the Red Devils were ‘plotting’ a £50m move for the Irish youngster following their defeat in the Community Shield against Manchester City.

Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also been linked as a potential alternative to Osimhen and Toney and he 27-year-old remains the cheaper option with Everton likely seeking around £35m for his signature compared to the required £40m+ needed for either Duran and Ferguson.