As reported by The Guardian, Chelsea have initiated discussions with Nottingham Forest regarding the potential signing of forward Brennan Johnson. This move comes after Chelsea missed out on signing Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.
Mauricio Pochettino has been engaged in a substantial squad overhaul this summer and is particularly interested in adding another forward to the team.
The Blues have allowed several players like Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and David Fofana to depart during this transfer window.
Initially considered favourites to secure a deal for Olise by triggering his £35 million release clause, Chelsea’s hopes of signing the highly-regarded winger have been dashed, as he has opted to stay at Selhurst Park by signing a new contract with Crystal Palace.
Chelsea have already secured seven summer signings, including Moises Caicedo, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, and Nicolas Jackson.
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Nevertheless, Mauricio Pochettino remains determined to acquire another forward before the transfer window concludes on September 1.
The West London side has expressed a strong interest in acquiring Johnson and has initiated discussions for a potential transfer.
Nottingham Forest values the 22-year-old at approximately £45 million, but Chelsea are considering the possibility of including players in a part-exchange deal to reduce the financial burden.
However, they face competition from other Premier League clubs, with Tottenham and West Ham also reportedly interested in signing the versatile attacker.
Johnson is under contract with Forest for the next three years, so there’s no immediate pressure on the club to sell. They can wait for a substantial offer before deciding to part with him.
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The Welsh forward played a pivotal role in helping his club avoid relegation last season, as they finished 16th in the Premier League, just four points above 18th-placed Leicester City.
Johnson made 44 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and providing three assists for his team. He also featured for Forest in their opening Premier League match against Arsenal last weekend.
