Chelsea tempted to ‘use’ recent signing ‘as bait’ in ‘loan plus cash’ swoop for £50m Tottenham target
According to reports, Chelsea are considering making a ‘loan plus cash’ offer for Nottingham Forest attacker Brennan Johnson.
Following Mauricio Pochettino’s arrival earlier this summer, one of Chelsea’s priorities has been to strengthen in attacking areas after they lacked goals last season.
Nicolas Jackson has signed for the Blues from La Liga outfit Villarreal to join Christopher Nkunku, who suffered a serious injury during pre-season that will rule him out for around four months.
In recent weeks, Chelsea turned their attention to Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise, who was also being monitored by Manchester City.
Chelsea activated his £35m release clause but Olise ended up penning a new four-year contract after Palace accused their rivals of tapping-up the talented Frenchman.
The Blues have since turned their attention to Johnson, who grabbed eight goals and three assists in the Premier League last season to help Nottingham Forest avoid relegation.
The Wales international was the subject of several bids from Brentford earlier this summer but Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have also joined the race to sign him.
The Daily Mail are now reporting that Chelsea ‘could use Andrey Santos as bait’ as they attempt to sign Johnson as Forest have ‘turned to’ the Blues newbie ‘as they look to bolster their midfield’.
This comes after Forest were unable to sign AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana and Steve Cooper’s side could benefit from Pochettino’s ‘immediate concern’ being his attack. The report adds.
‘Chelsea have been considering Forest’s Brennan Johnson for a number of weeks and the idea of loans – such as Santos – plus cash to secure the Wales international appeals to some staff at the club.’
‘The loss of Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise over an alleged illegal approach came as a blow to plans while Lyon’s coveted Bradley Barcola is expected to join Paris Saint-Germain.
‘The winger is rated at £50m and has strong interest from Tottenham and West Ham. Paramount to his decision, should a fee be agreed, is the amount of playing time he receives. The 22-year-old is understood to prefer Tottenham for that reason so Chelsea’s path is not so clear cut.
‘In recent weeks, Forest have also expressed interest in Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah, but he has a hamstring injury, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ian Maatsen. The left-back has been offered a new deal by Chelsea but is unsure amid interest from West Ham and Borussia Dortmund too.’
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