'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFgABAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUH/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAgT/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAMinFh//xAAdEAACAgIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAUGE1GR/9oACAEBAAE/ANfyfXVtRbrGN5JrJWMM8YK51p6fmf/EABoRAQABBQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAgMhQaH/2gAIAQIBAT8AbZQ42Dyf/8QAFhEBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQIA/9oACAEDAQE/AKtQN//Z'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion's move to Chelsea has reportedly collapsed due to issues in finalizing the particulars of the contract. This is according to David Ornstein, who provided an update on the situation on his X account (formerly Twitter).
The Blues have been in the market for a new number nine, with Nicolas Jackson failing to fire in the 2023/24 campaign. Meanwhile, Armando Broja hasn't established himself as a sure-shot starter at Stamford Bridge.
Amid these circumstances, the west Londoners looked like they would get a deal over the line for the aforementioned Spain under-21 international. Writing about this on X, Ornstein said:
"Samu Omorodion transfer from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea has collapsed. Deal agreed club-to-club and between 20yo Atletico Madrid striker and Chelsea. But major problem finalising contract means deal off; Spain youth international isn't moving to Stamford Bridge."
The move would have been ideal for someone like Omorodion, who could have established himself as Enzo Maresca's first-choice striker in the coming weeks. Last season, the center-forward made 34 La Liga appearances while on loan at Deportiva Alavez, bagging eight goals.
Should he remain at Atletico Madrid, the youngster is set to face competition from the likes of Alexander Sorloth and Joao Felix, among others, for minutes. A transfer to Stamford Bridge would have granted Omorodion the opportunity to compete in the Premier League as well.
As things stand, Maresca could have to turn to Christopher Nkunku or Jackson to lead the line when the Blues begin their Premier League campaign on August 18.
Manchester United to battle Chelsea for Premier League striker this summer - Reports
Chelsea have been linked with a host of strikers this summer, including Brighton and Hove Albion number nine Evan Ferguson. However, a move for the 19-year-old Ireland international will not be straightforward, with Manchester United also having entered the race for his signature (via TeamTalk).
It is claimed in this report that the Blues think a transfer for Napoli's Victor Osimhen is highly unlikely, which makes their interest in Ferguson stronger. However, the Red Devils are said to be readying a bid of £50 million, which they will offer to the Seagulls.
Ferguson is a tall, strong forward who is good in the air and can finish in clinical fashion. To date, he's made 65 appearances across competitions for his current employers, bagging 16 goals and five assists. The Irishman has five years left on his contract.
