CHELSEA have had a £42million bid for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion rejected by the Spanish club who are holding out for at least £70m.
The Spain under-21 international has been likened to former Atletico and Chelsea icon Diego Costa.
And with four years left on his contract the Spanish club are in a strong negotiating position.
Omorodion has been identified by Chelsea’s owners and recruitment team led by Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart as he fits the club’s profile of a talented youngster with huge potential.
But new head coach Enzo Maresca has also welcomed the pursuit.
The Spanish boss has made clear that he wants an extra striker to put pressure on Chelsea’s current front-man Nicolas Jackson.
Chelsea have already held talks this summer with Newcastle and Aston Villa over Alexander Isak and Jhon Duran respectively.
Meanwhile, Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke have been deemed too expensive.
Chelsea’s bid for Omorodion follows their withdrawal from negotiations with Newcastle over Isak last week, as revealed by SunSport.
The 20-year-old has yet to play for Atletico as he was sent on loan for the season to Alaves, finishing the season as the club’s top scorer, after completing a £6m love from Granada last summer.
BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS
Omoridion only made one senior appearance for Granada after making a name for himself as a prolific goal-scorer in the club’s B-team.
However, he marked his full debut last August with a goal in a 3-1 defeat to Atletico, whom he joined the following week.
His goals were instrumental in Alaves staying in La Liga and Atletico manager Diego Simeone has earmarked him as a potential replacement for Memphis Depay, who is leaving the club this summer.
STAY in the know this summer with The Sun's transfer experts.
Kevin De Bruyne has verbally agreed to join Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad, according to reports.
Wolves have accepted West Ham’s £40m bid for defender Max Kilman.
Napoli are reportedly willing to lover their £110.8m asking price for Chelsea target Victor Osimhen.
Follow our LIVE TRANSFER BLOG for all the latest deals, gossip and exclusives.
