Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on his Substack that Chelsea are now prioritising a deal for PSV winger Noni Madueke instead of Mykhalo Mudryk.
The PSV winger missed the opening two months of the season due to an ankle injury, but has returned to full fitness and starting games since the World Cup break.
There may have been a hope at the Dutch side that Madueke was ready to fill the void left by Cody Gakpo, who recently departed in favour of a Premier League switch himself.
However, the England Under-21 international is the latest name to crop up in Chelsea’s hunt to bolster their attacking options in January.
They have already seemingly strengthened for the rest of the season with the addition of Joao Felix on a temporary basis being close to confirmed. There is reportedly currently no option to make this deal permanent.
Chelsea prioritising Madueke
Phillips has claimed that Chelsea are now looking to continue their recruitment this month, with Madueke at the top of the list.
He said: “Sources tell me that we are in advanced talks for Noni Madueke, alongside Marcus Thuram. Not sure if both or one of Noni and Thuram will make it.
“Assuming this puts Mykhailo Mudryk way in the back now.”
There had been reports that the Blues were attempting to hijack Arsenal’s attempted deal to sign the Shakhtar Donetsk winger, whose social media activity certainly suggests that he is favouring a deal to North London.
With injures to Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic seeing their attacking options continue to dwindle. The American in particular is set for a few weeks on the sideline.
Madueke represents a potential option for an attacking player who certainly has an eye to goal, with Champions League strikes under his belt despite being just 20 years of age.
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