David Ornstein has revealed that Chelsea have bidded for Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid, after a successful loan spell at Deportivo Alaves last season.
Chelsea Interested in Another High-Value Youngster: Samu Omorodion
Chelsea’s Bid
Ornstein revealed that Chelsea had a bid of ” €32.5 million plus add-ons offer rejected”, after Matt Law reported that there were “talks held” previously.
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It’s not uncommon to see the seller increase their asking price when Chelsea are interested, especially under the new Clearlake regime. However, Law did continue to reveal that Atletico are genuinely “hugely reluctant” to let the player leave. The largely unknown youngster is clearly valued by the hierarchy.
Ornstein understands that The Blues have a “handful of striker targets”.
Still Interest in Jhon Duran
Law notes that Chelsea “remain in negotiations” with Aston Villa for Jhon Duran; their interest has not faltered. Both strikers are similarly quick and physical with a natural poaching ability, though Duran would be “up to £40 million”.
Reportedly, the Villans are “interested” in Conor Gallagher and Ian Maatsen after both succeeded in the second halves of their respective campaigns. There may be “firm bids” if Duran is picked up; Gallagher would be a fitting replacement for Douglas Luiz, though not of the same calibre.
Who is Omorodion?
Omorodion has only recently turned 20 years old and moved to Madrid last summer for around £5 million. Previously, he had made one senior appearance for Granada and scored 18 in 36 for Granada B. He debuted for Spain U19 and U21 last year, scoring twice for the latter.
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Scoring nine league goals in 2000 minutes for Deportivo Alaves seems like strong, if not amazing, numbers. Though four of these did come in a two-week period, and he failed to score in his final nine starts. Regardless, he is very highly rated, being named “Spain’s next top striker”.
Have Chelsea Not Learnt Their Lesson?
A similar fee was spent for Nicolas Jackson last summer who scored 12 in the 2022/23 La Liga term. Whilst it hasn’t been a bad debut campaign for the Senegalese international, fans do not have full confidence in him as their starting striker.
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Not only could Omorodion suffer a similar fate to Jackson, but owning two very similar young strikers won’t be much benefit to Enzo Maresca. It seems an odd target when The Blues already have an abundance of rising talent and need a world-class player to lead the line.
