Chelsea are seriously interested in signing Borussia Dortmund attacker Karim Adeyemi this summer, according to the Daily Mail.
The Blues are keen on reinforcing the attack and are eyeing a swoop for the German international. BVB want £35 million for his signature, but it will not be a problem for the club.
However, there is a major stumbling block opposing the deal. Adeyemi wants to play for a club with Champions League football, but the Blues are in the Europa Conference League.
Daily Mail’s report confirms news from Bild yesterday about Premier League interest in Adeyemi’s services.
The former RB Salzburg striker had a frustrating campaign blighted by ceaseless injuries that affected his form and rhythm. He recorded just three goals and an assist in 21 Bundesliga appearances for BVB.
Adeyemi netted twice in the UEFA Champions League, but his European campaign will be remembered more for his misses in the final against Madrid despite an electric performance.
If the 22-year-old can stay fit, he is a potent attacking weapon for any side with his pace and devastating runs behind the opposition defence.
Chelsea have shown a willingness to take a punt youngsters yet to hit their prime and might be about to repeat the trick with Adeyemi. It remains to be seen whether he will accept the advances.
A glance at Adeyemi’s basic numbers (goals and assists) should tell Chelsea he isn’t worth the fuss. But the same can be said for several signings the club has made over the past two seasons.
His underlying numbers are not promising. They are not so much different from Mykhailo Mudryk’s. In fact, if you search Fbref for the most similar player to Adeyemi, Mudryk’s name pops up first.
Chelsea will be better served spending top dollar to secure a worthwhile talent like Nico Williams, who is also reportedly of interest to the Blues.
Even though his wage demands are astronomical, Williams is more productive and a better all-round player than the BVB star and Mudryk. The Athletic Bilbao winger is worth the punt.
