Chelsea now hold concrete interest in signing a “powerful” striker, having already submitted an offer for his services, it has been revealed.
Blues keen on centre-forward despite Pedro's strong start
After sanctioning the departures of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson in the summer transfer window, the Blues brought in Liam Delap from Ipswich Town and Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion, with the latter making a flying start to life in west London.
The Brazilian has amassed five goal contributions in his opening six Premier League games, although he hasn’t been his best as of late, recording an xG of 0 in the disappointing 3-1 defeat at home against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
With Delap still relatively inexperienced and set to be sidelined until around December due to a hamstring issue, Enzo Maresca is currently short on options in attack, and another centre-forward has been identified as a target ahead of the January transfer window.
According to a report from Spain, Chelsea have now shown concrete interest in signing Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong, who is also being targeted by Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, after making an impressive start to the campaign in La Liga.
The Blues have already made a formal approach for Etta Eyong, submitting a bid off the back of a solid 2024-25 season, and they are now set to battle it out for his signature.
Back in the summer, it was widely reported that Levante paid just €3m (£2.6m) for the 21-year-old, but former employers Villarreal have the right of first refusal, which could complicate a potential approach from Chelsea.
"Powerful" Etta Eyong impressing in first campaign at senior level
The youngster was unable to make the grade at Villarreal, playing reserve football throughout the 2024-25 campaign, but he has since made the step-up to senior level, amassing seven goals and assists in La Liga so far this season.
Lauded as a “powerful” striker by journalist Kai Watson, the Cameroonian has also showcased his ability to perform against some top clubs, scoring Levante’s only goal in the 4-1 defeat against Real Madrid, while also finding the back of the net against Arsenal back in pre-season.
Not only is the starlet impressive going forward, but he has also displayed his ability to pitch in defensively, placing in the top 2% for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.
Statistic
Average per 90
Non-penalty goals
0.76 (97th percentile)
Assists
0.46 (99th percentile)
Tackles
1.52 (98th percentile)
Blocks
0.91 (90th percentile)
Clearances
1.22 (82nd percentile)
That said, having already signed Delap in the summer, there are doubts over whether Chelsea need to bring in another young striker anytime soon, and Etta Eyong is yet to prove himself over a sustained period of time, so it will not be the end of the world if they miss out.
