Chelsea transfer news: A new attack-minded player is said to be next on Mauricio Pochettino’s list this summer after Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia were signed last week
Chelsea have registered an interest in Villarreal and Spain forward Yeremy Pino, according to journalist Simon Phillips.
Pino, 20, was linked with a move to the Premier League last summer with Arsenal and Tottenham both said to be interested. He stayed in Spain for the 2022/23 season and helped Villarreal qualify for the Europa League with a fifth-placed finish.
The forward contributed to 10 goals in 36 La Liga appearances before helping his national team win the Nations League title in June. However, the triple signing of Ben Brereton Diaz, Alexander Sorloth and Ilias Akhomach has placed doubt over his long-term future at the Estadio de la Ceramica, leaving the door open to a potential exit.
And according to Phillips, the Blues have identified the Spanish wonderkid as a possible attacking reinforcement ahead of the final two weeks of the window remaining.
Mauricio Pochettino’s options in attack have been highlighted as the priority area for improvement following the mega-money transfers of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia. Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise had looked to be the next through the door before committing his future at Selhurst Park whilst Mohammed Kudus has been strongly linked with a move to West Ham.
Recent reports have suggested that Rennes forward Jeremy Doku is on Todd Boehly’s radar, but they face an uphill battle to fend off interest from Manchester City. football.london understands that Rayan Cherki remains on their list, as does Kudus.
However, a move for Pino could be more straightforward. Interest for Pino has been quiet this summer to give Chelsea a clear route to make their move. The only question surrounding the move would be the price tag.
CIES Football Observatory value him at €80million (£68.4million) and it’s likely that Villarreal would demand close to that figure. Pino has less than four years left on his contract in Spain after only signing a new deal at the end of 2021.
For some, a move to the Premier League at such a young age may be a scary prospect. Fortunately for Pino, he would be reunited with former Villarreal teammate Nicolas Jackson. The forward has impressed in his early showings at Stamford Bridge with comparisons to Didier Drogba.
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