Chelsea have stirred the summer transfer window with a bold £34 million bid for Real Madrid’s Club World Cup hero, Gonzalo García, potentially paving the way for Arsenal to secure their own attack reinforcements.
The Blues have been busy reshaping their forward line this summer, having already captured Liam Delap from Ipswich by activating his £30 million release clause, along with Joao Pedro from Brighton in a deal worth an initial £55 million. With discussions ongoing for Jamie Gittens, soon expected to join Chelsea from Borussia Dortmund for £55.5 million, the club’s ambition remains unabated.
Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Chelsea are ready to make a significant impact on the market with a €40 million [£34 million] proposal for García, who shot to prominence with three goals and an assist over four Club World Cup fixtures. Celebrated for his match-winning performance against Juventus, opinions on García’s future diverge; Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso is yet to confirm if the 21-year-old striker will feature in his plans for the upcoming season.
Alonso stated, “Today we are thinking about the World Cup. There will be time. I knew him well, I didn’t expect him to score three goals in four games… but I knew his pressure and his work, on top of scoring goals. I trusted him, and he is earning that trust.”
With 25 goals in 36 appearances for Real Madrid Castilla last season, García’s potential sale might be strategic for Los Blancos, who are looking to fund squad enhancements, including a left-back, a centre-back, and a defensive midfielder.
A successful negotiation with Chelsea could also boost Arsenal’s summer operations. The Gunners are reportedly considering Nicolas Jackson as a ‘surprise’ contender alongside high profile targets Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko. This comes after Arsenal allegedly placed an offer for Noni Madueke, to whom Chelsea have attached a £45 million+ price tag.
Commenting on Arsenal’s interest in Jackson, journalist Duncan Castles remarked: “There’s one more name I’ve become aware of this week, which may come as a surprise, and that’s Nicolas Jackson. The striker has had an interesting tenure in his two years at Chelsea. “Chelsea has been contemplating either adding someone else to that position or replacing him entirely. Chelsea claim they’re not actively shopping Jackson this window, but he isn’t untouchable.”
In stark contrast, the Fichajes report paints a clearer picture regarding Jackson’s future, suggesting that he “will not continue” at Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE FOOTBALL TRANSFER RUMOURS: