🚨Transfer Listed🚨 Isak to Chelsea: Chelsea now racing to sign “outstanding” £100m EPL striker

Chelsea are now involved in a four-way transfer race to sign a “outstanding” Premier League striker, with Enzo Maresca keen to bring in a forward capable of challenging for Nicolas Jackson’s starting spot, according to a report.

Blues stepping up striker pursuit

The Blues have been left short on options at striker over the past few weeks, with Jackson and Marc Guiu both sidelined due to injuries, which has meant Pedro Neto has been given the nod in the unfamiliar role of centre-forward.

As such, Maresca has now started to step up his pursuit of a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window, and there is believed to be strong interest in Lille striker Jonathan David, who will be available on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.

Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha is one of the lesser-known targets, and the west Londoners’ relationship with the French club could give them the edge in negotiations for the striker, who is also wanted by Everton, West Ham United and Aston Villa.

Newcastle Unitred’s Alexander Isak, on the other hand, is one of the most sought-after strikers in world football, and Chelsea are expected to enter talks to sign the Sweden international, who could command a fee of £120m.

However, Isak is not the only Premier League striker on the shortlist, with a report from The Boot Room revealing the Blues are now keen on signing Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro.

Pedro could be brought in to challenge for Jackson’s starting spot, but he will not come cheap, with reports from elsewhere stating Brighton value the Brazilian at £100m.

There may also be fierce competition from within the Premier League, with Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle United said to be keen on a deal.

“Outstanding” Pedro starring for Brighton

The 23-year-old is Brighton’s top scorer this season, netting eight goals in 23 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he has also displayed his ability to set up his teammates, providing six assists.

Creating chances is one of the Brazil international’s finest qualities, and he ranks very highly on a number of other key attacking metrics over the past year compared to his positional peers.

Statistics

Average per 90

Progressive passes

3.56 (94th percentile)

Progressive carries

3.41 (94th percentile)

Assists

0.27 (89th percentile)

Successful take-ons

1.49 (89th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.37 (89th percentile)

Having also been lauded as “outstanding” by analyst Chris Kearney, the Brighton star is clearly a top forward, but the only concern will be the fact he is not exactly the most prolific in front of goal.

Pedro places in just the 19th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90, given that he clearly thrives in other aspects of the game, so it may be unwise for Chelsea to shell out £100m on a striker who does not guarantee goals.