Chelsea ‘ready’ to launch £33million striker swoop as transfer ‘boost’ received

Chelsea are lining-up a £33million summer striker swoop - according to reports.

While the January transfer window may have only recently closed, the rumour mill is already beginning to turn as clubs turn their attentions to the summer trading period.

And after a quiet winter window, Thomas Tuchel could be targeting some additions once the current campaign is over.

Here’s what the latest transfer gossip is saying about what the summer could hold at Stamford Bridge:

Chelsea ‘ready’ £33million bid for in-demand striker

Chelsea have a £33million bid ready for Reims striker Hugo Ekitike.

That’s according to the Mirror, who claim that the teenager is drawing serious interest from the Blues.

Ekitike has scored nine goals in 20 Ligue 1 matches this season and the 19-year-old has been attracting admiring glances from across Europe.

Dubbed ‘the next Kylian Mbappe’, the youngster was heavily linked with Newcastle United in the January transfer window - with the Magpies failing with a Deadline Day swoop for the forward.

Liverpool have also been credited with an interest in Ekitike, while Borussia Dortmund have also reportedly earmarked the teenager as a potential replacement for Erling Haaland should he depart this summer.

Blues handed boost over Brazilian attacker

Ekitike isn’t the only forward being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Chelsea have also been heavily linked with a move for Leeds United forward Raphinha - who is yet to sign a new contract at Elland Road.

His current terms in Yorkshire expire in 2024, but the Whites are hoping to tie down their prize asset to a new deal.

However, Goal report that Raphinha is holding off on accepting terms from Leeds as he wants to discover what offers could be on the table from Europe’s elite in the summer.

That’s viewed as a boost for Chelsea, who could have an opportunity to present an offer to the playmaker this summer.

Liverpool and Bayern Munich are also reported to be keen.

Bundesliga full-back linked with Chelsea switch

Chelsea are one of a number of clubs linked with full-back Borna Sosa.

German outlet Bild claim that the Blues are joined by Arsenal and Tottenham in pursuing the Stuttgart man this summer.

The Bundesliga side have reportedly put a £25million price tag on the 24-year-old, who was also linked with Stamford Bridge in the winter transfer window.