Chelsea Enter Talks to Sign Second Manchester United Striker Target

Randal Kolo Muani

Chelsea could deal Manchester United another blow in the transfer market by swooping in for Randal Kolo Muani—just days after securing Liam Delap—according to new reports. The Blues are reportedly lining up two more attacking signings to bolster their front line.

Delap, who was keen on European football and ideally the Champions League, turned down United in favor of Chelsea’s £30 million offer. His decision marked a significant early win for Chelsea in this summer’s window.

Sources have told TEAMtalk that Chelsea are actively pursuing a versatile attacker to replace the injured Christopher Nkunku, as well as a right-footed left winger following Jadon Sancho’s return to Old Trafford.

According to French outlet L’Équipe, Chelsea have identified Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani as their top target to fill the versatile forward role. The French international is primarily a center-forward but can also operate effectively on either wing.

Chelsea have reportedly admired Kolo Muani for some time and are said to have now “entered negotiations” with PSG over a potential transfer.

Manager Enzo Maresca’s side now find themselves in a transfer tug-of-war with Juventus, who brought Kolo Muani in on loan in January. While Juve had been unsure about a permanent move, the 26-year-old’s strong finish to the season appears to have changed their minds.

Kolo Muani scored six goals in his last eight appearances, including a brace in Juventus’ dominant 5-0 win over Al Ain in the opening game of the Club World Cup. That red-hot form has not gone unnoticed, with Chelsea now also pushing for his signature.

PSG signed Kolo Muani from Eintracht Frankfurt for £77 million in September 2023. However, they’re now reportedly open to a sale, even if it means taking a financial hit—his current asking price is estimated between £50–70 million.

If Chelsea succeed in bringing Kolo Muani to Stamford Bridge, it would further thin out United’s striker shortlist. On June 1, reports revealed that United’s head of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, had added Kolo Muani to a four-man shortlist of striker targets.

The 31-cap French international has long been linked with both United and Tottenham, but Chelsea now appear to be in pole position to land him.

Chelsea Continue to Assess Forward Options

While Kolo Muani is a major target, Chelsea’s ideal signing would be Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike. However, they’re unwilling to meet his £84 million valuation.

Chelsea have consistently maintained that new signings will compete with, not replace, Nicolas Jackson. But Jackson’s future at the club has come under scrutiny after he received another red card during the team’s shocking 3-1 loss to Flamengo at the Club World Cup.

The Senegalese striker had just come off the bench to replace Delap, who was making his debut start, but quickly found himself sent off for a rash challenge—raising questions about his temperament. Two Serie A clubs are now reported to have made initial inquiries about him.

While Chelsea are actively negotiating for Kolo Muani, some believe better alternatives may exist for the role of a dynamic forward who can play as a striker, winger, or attacking midfielder.

Sources indicate both Chelsea and Arsenal are closely monitoring Morgan Rogers, despite Aston Villa’s high valuation of the young talent.

Other names on Chelsea’s radar include Joao Pedro of Brighton and West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus.

Delap, it’s worth noting, had been in advanced talks with Manchester United before the move collapsed. United had identified him as their primary striker target, but their defeat to Tottenham in the Europa League final—dashing their hopes of Champions League qualification—ultimately led Delap to choose Chelsea instead.

TEAMTALK

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