Saturday was a dramatic day when it came to Chelsea’s summer transfer window, with the striker position undergoing much change over the 24-hour period.
The Blues’ 2-0 win over Fulham was overshadowed by an apparent hamstring injury to summer signing Liam Delap, with no natural striker on the bench to replace him.
This was because Nicolas Jackson was in the process of flying to Germany to agree to a loan move to Bayern Munich, after clearly falling away from the starting spot at Stamford Bridge.
It has been said that Jackson is not happy with Chelsea after the club elected to cancel the proposed move to Bayern, forcing him at this stage to return to the Blues.
Chelsea considering signing Conrad Harder to replace Nicolas Jackson
With him likely to still not be the starting option, it can be believed that he is going to take some convincing to play a part for Chelsea where required this season.
It seems as if the club are taking this into account, and David Ornstein has claimed that they are assessing the market for alternatives, with Conrad Harder one of the names on their list.
He said: “Chelsea considering signing striker before deadline. Chelsea not allowing Nicolas Jackson loan but permanent possible. Lack of loan replacements means permanents being explored – enquiries made for Conrad Harder of Sporting CP & others.”
Chelsea long-term admirers of Harder
Chelsea’s interest in Harder is not new, with links between the club and the player going back to January.
Transfer insider Graeme Bailey told The Chelsea Chronicle that Harder is a ‘huge talent’, and he is now getting a proper chance as the heir to Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting Lisbon.
Given how little time there is left in the summer transfer window, it is likely going to have to be a sensational deal to convince the Portuguese side to part ways with their young striker.
The ideal scenario from now would see Jackson remain at the club, and
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