Chelsea chasing new €100m-rated striker

Chelsea have added Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis to their list of potential summer targets, a report has claimed.

The Blues are on the hunt for a new forward in the upcoming window but have drawn up a long list of options due to the vast number of other sides chasing a high-level forward - Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are three of many eyeing a new striker.

The newest face believed to be on the radar is that of Pavlidis who, according to Record, is attracting significant interest from across Europe after racking up 24 goals in 46 games for Benfica.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Chelsea have been linked with Pavlidis. During his time in the Netherlands with AZ Alkmaar, there are reports of interest from the Blues dating as far back as 2023.

The 26-year-old Greek international ultimately joined Benfica last summer in a deal worth around €18m, but he will undoubtedly be more expensive this time around as the Portuguese side are pointing suitors, including Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Newcastle United, to his release clause of €100m (£86.9m).

Such a spend is not expected from Chelsea this summer. Enzo Maresca remains a big fan of Nicolas Jackson and does not want to splash out on an expensive replacement, but is instead thought to prefer a move for a younger deputy.

Ipswich Town's Liam Delap, who has a relegation release clause of £30m, is believed to be a key target, while RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Lille's Jonathan David have been touted as possible options.

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