BREAKING NEWS: LIVE FROM FABRIZIO ROMANO VIA STRIKE90MINS. CHELSEA’S SEARCH FOR A CENTRE-FORWARD IS CONTINUING WITH THE BLUES HAVING HELD TALKS FOR LILLE FORWARD JONATHAN DAVID AND HOFFENHEIM’S MAXIMILIAN BEIER. THE ATHLETIC ARE REPORTING THAT CHELSEA HAVE ALSO OPENED DIALOGUE WITH LILLE OVER A POTENTIAL DEAL FOR JONATHAN DAVID, WHO HAS JUST 12 MONTHS REMAINING ON HIS CONTRACT THIS SUMMER.
Chelsea’s Search for a Striker Continues with Discussions for Jonathan David and Maximilian Beier
Chelsea FC’s search for a new centre-forward remains active as the club engages in talks with Lille’s Jonathan David and Hoffenheim’s Maximilian Beier. Manager Enzo Maresca is keen to enhance his attacking options ahead of the upcoming season and has been negotiating with multiple targets to secure a deal.
In addition to David and Beier, Chelsea is also exploring a potential player-plus-cash deal with Aston Villa for Jhon Duran. Moreover, the club recently had a bid for Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion rejected.
According to reports from The Athletic, Chelsea has initiated discussions with Lille regarding Jonathan David. With his contract set to expire in 12 months, Lille is willing to sell the Canadian international this summer to avoid losing him on a free transfer. The club’s president has confirmed that both David and centre-back Leny Yoro will leave this summer.
Since joining Lille from Gent in 2020, David has been prolific, scoring 84 goals in 183 appearances. He was the second-highest scorer in Ligue 1 last season, second only to Kylian Mbappe. His impressive goal-scoring record has caught the attention of several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Tottenham, and West Ham.
The 24-year-old forward, who has netted 26 goals in 49 appearances for Canada, is currently representing his country at the 2024 Copa America.
Beyond their interest in David, Chelsea is also targeting Hoffenheim’s Maximilian Beier. The 21-year-old emerged as a standout performer in the Bundesliga last season, scoring 16 league goals after returning from a loan spell at Hannover 96. His performances earned him a spot in Germany’s squad for the European Championship, and he recently made his international debut in a friendly against Ukraine.
Despite Chelsea’s concrete interest in Beier, Sky Germany reports that the club is not currently the frontrunner to sign him. The Blues face competition from other Premier League clubs and Bayer Leverkusen. Beier’s contract includes a €30 million (£25.3 million) release clause.
As Chelsea continues to seek the right fit for their attacking lineup, the club’s efforts to secure either David or Beier reflect a determined approach to strengthen their squad for the forthcoming challenges of the new season.
