Chelsea ‘hold talks’ with new attacking target after missing out on Michael Olise

Chelsea are in talks with a highly-rated attacker after missing out on signing Michael Olise.

Olise has long been on Chelsea’s radar, and in recent months the London club appeared to be the front-runners to sign him.

Chelsea tried to sign the French winger last summer before he signed a new contract with Crystal Palace, and were expected to double their efforts this year.

While Chelsea did make a fresh approach for the 22-year-old last week, they have now ended their interest over concerns about how much it would cost to pull off a deal.

It now appears that Bayern Munich will activate Olise’s release clause in the region of £55 million after agreeing personal terms with the player.

Chelsea aren’t wasting any time in their search for a new attacker for incoming head coach Enzo Maresca.

According to transfer journalist David Ornstein, Chelsea are in talks with the representatives of Lille striker Jonathan David.

The 24-year-old has spent the last four years in northern France after joining from Belgian side Gent.

David – a Canadian international who made three appearances at the 2022 World Cup – has scored 84 goals in 183 games for Lille, placing him third on the club’s all-time scoring list and the highest of the 21st century.

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In 2023-24 he played in every Ligue 1 game and scored 19 goals to help Lille to a fourth-place finish and a place in the UEFA Champions League.

At international level he has scored an impressive 26 goals in 48 caps since making his senior debut in September 2018.

David has 12 months remaining on his current contract, and with Lille president Olivier Letang recently suggesting a move could happen this summer, he could be available at a modest price.

According to Ornstein, Chelsea have not yet approached Lille, although the two clubs have a good relationship due to the BlueCo consortium also owning fellow Ligue 1 club Strasbourg.