According to rumours, Tottenham and West Ham are also interested in signing Brennan Johnson, a star player for Nottingham Forest.
The unexpected interest occurs as Chelsea’s attempt to acquire Michael Olise has now failed.
Although it was reported that the Crystal Palace winger was incensed with how their London rivals handled the situation and pondered legally accusing them “for making an illegal approach,” the Blues had reached an agreement on personal terms with the player and had activated his £35 million release clause.
However, Palace chairman Steve Parish revealed on Thursday that Olise has sensationally agreed to a fresh four-year contract with the team.
As a result, Johnson has now been added to Chelsea’s list of targets, and a deal is reportedly in the early stages of talks, according to The Guardian.
The Welsh forward is valued by Forest at roughly £45 million, but Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly willing to trade players for the 22-year-old.
He also piques the interest of fellow London clubs West Ham and Tottenham, who are each hunting for a Gianluca Scamacca and Harry Kane replacement.
Johnson made 44 appearances last season and contributed significantly to Forest’s survival in the Premier League with his 10 goals and three assists.
Given that the club has spent roughly £1 billion since Todd Boehly took over as manager last year, Chelsea’s pursuit of the player may also depend on their ability to adhere to Financial Fair Play rules.
While they expected Lewis Hall to sign a new long-term deal before loaning him out to Palace, the news that they have agreed to sell him to Newcastle for £28 million may help to alleviate some of this.
Romeo Lavia will also be officially announced as a Blue, having been signed by Southampton ahead of Liverpool.