Chelsea made several bids for Atletico Madrid’s highly-rated young striker Samu Omorodion this summer, with reports suggesting that one offer reached €50 million. Despite these substantial offers, Atletico Madrid has remained firm in their decision not to sell the 20-year-old, according to the Spanish publication Relevo. This has left Chelsea in a challenging position as they attempt to secure the promising forward, who gained attention for his impressive performance on loan at Deportivo Alaves last season.
Omorodion, who is considered a significant talent and a future star, has been a key target for Chelsea. However, Atletico Madrid’s reluctance to let him go means that the London club might need to look at alternative options unless they are prepared to meet exceedingly high demands. Given Omorodion’s potential and his recent success, it is not surprising that Atletico is keen to retain him.
In addition to Omorodion, Chelsea is also considering Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran as a possible acquisition. According to Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing, the club has yet to make a definitive decision between the two young strikers. While Omorodion is currently settled in Madrid and does not wish to leave, Duran has expressed a desire to join Chelsea. Romano pointed out that Duran already has Premier League experience, which could be advantageous for Chelsea, as Omorodion would be transitioning to a new league for the first time if he moved to England.
Romano elaborated that Chelsea has two viable options. With Jhon Duran, they already have the player’s consent, as he is keen on the move and has given his approval to join Chelsea, although he also has other offers on the table. In contrast, Omorodion remains content in Madrid and is eager to continue playing for Atletico, especially after the club showed faith in him when he was still relatively unknown. Thus, Chelsea is working on reaching an agreement with Omorodion before attempting to persuade Atletico Madrid once more.
Romano also noted that Chelsea has not yet decided between these two targets. The club is actively negotiating with both players, maintaining an open approach. The decision is complex due to the contrasting benefits each player offers. Duran’s experience in the Premier League is a significant factor, while Omorodion’s potential is also highly regarded. As of now, the situation remains fluid, with ongoing discussions between Chelsea, the players, and their respective clubs. The advantage of having played in the Premier League gives Duran an edge, but Omorodion’s future prospects make him an attractive option as well. Consequently, Chelsea is still evaluating both strikers and has not settled on a preference yet.