Chelsea keen on signing £85m Premier League forward once again after failed 2023 transfer

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Chelsea could go back in for one of their targets from the 2023 summer transfer window.

Enzo Maresca is expected to bolster his attack, with Chelsea being linked with several strikers and wingers.

The above includes Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who could be on the move for just £30m this summer. It has been claimed that Maresca has personally requested Delap’s services.

In terms of the wide positions, Chelsea could raid another one of their Premier League rivals to strengthen there.

• READ MORE: Chelsea ‘seriously considering’ activating £66m striker’s release clause instead of Liam Delap

Chelsea interested in Mohammed Kudus

In the 2023 summer transfer window, Chelsea wanted to sign Mohammed Kudus from Ajax.

However, a deal never materialised and the versatile attacker ended up at their London rivals West Ham United instead.

Chelsea, though, still appear to have some interest in Kudus. According to CaughtOffside, the Blues are one of several clubs keen on signing the 24-year-old this summer.

Kudus will not come cheap, with the Ghanaian possessing an £85m release clause in his contract, as per GiveMeSport.

He has not been too productive this season, scoring just three goals in 27 Premier League appearances, so £85m is a lot of money to demand.

Chelsea do have other options, though, including Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens. It is currently thought that Chelsea are favourites to land Gittens’ signature.

Why Mohammed Kudus’ move to Chelsea in 2023 fell through

Chelsea had convinced Kudus to join them, even agreeing a contract with the Ghana international, according to his former agent.

However, the offer that the Blues made to Ajax was nowhere near enough, which is ultimately why the transfer collapsed.

Jennifer Mendelewitsch spoke about Chelsea’s interest in Kudus in 2023 and said: “We reached an agreement with Chelsea, we agreed the contract with Chelsea but the deal was not done. He talked with the coach but in the end it didn’t happen because Chelsea made a ridiculous offer to Ajax.”

The Blues now face having to offer more than double the fee West Ham paid for Kudus to land his signature. But again, based on his form this season, the former Ajax man is not worth anything close to £85m. This is a ship that has probably sailed for Chelsea.