Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'planning' new bid for 20-year-old striker after £33.8m rejection

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 22 June 2024

Second try: Chelsea 'planning' revised bid for youthful striker

Chelsea reportedly plan to submit an improved bid for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion after seeing an opening offer of £33.8m rejected.

Chelsea are reportedly planning to submit a new bid for Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion after seeing an initial approach knocked back.

The Blues apparently tested the waters with an offer of around £33.8m for the 20-year-old, which would have seen their Spanish counterparts receive around £25.4m up front and the rest in add-ons.

Atletico swiftly rebuffed Chelsea's offer, though, as Diego Simeone's men are counting on Omorodion as a key prospect for the future after his successful loan spell at Alaves.

The 2004-born striker conjured up eight goals in 35 matches during the 2023-24 campaign, prior to which he signed for Atletico for just €6m (£5.1m) from Granada.

Omorodion is not due to become a free agent for another four years, meaning that Atletico are under no pressure whatsoever to sell the 20-year-old, also believed to be on West Ham United's radar.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone before the match on November 25, 2023 © Reuters

Chelsea 'to make second offer' for Omorodion

Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, Atletico are braced to receive a second bid for the striker from Chelsea, who have not been deterred by their initial rejection.

The report adds that the Blues view Omorodion as a player with the skill set to make a name for himself in the Premier League, even though he is an 'unknown quantity', which means a deal is still up in the air.

The attacker, who stands at 6ft 4in tall, is still waiting to make his senior debut for Atletico Madrid, but he has two goals to show from seven appearances for Spain's Under-21 side.

Omorodion had made just one senior appearance for Granada before joining Simeone's side, but it was a successful debut for the 20-year-old, who scored against none other than Atletico themselves.

Granada succumbed to a 3-1 defeat in that La Liga contest, though, which came just 12 days before Atletico announced the signing of Omorodion on a five-year contract.

Chelsea running the rule over numerous attacking talents

Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca celebrates after the match on February 13, 2024 © Reuters

The Spain youth international is just one of a handful of offensive names on the Chelsea shortlist for the summer window, but the Blues have already been dealt one devastating blow to their summer plans.

Formerly considered the favourites to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace, Chelsea have supposedly been snubbed once again, as the Frenchman has chosen to join German giants Bayern Munich instead.

However, Enzo Maresca's side are said to be on the verge of an agreement to sign Aston Villa 18-year-old Omari Kellyman, who will reportedly cost around £19m despite playing just six matches for the Lions' first team.

Meanwhile, slow progress is thought to have been made in efforts to sign Napoli's Victor Osimhen, while they retain an interest in Kellyman's Villa teammate Jhon Duran too.