Chelsea chief Todd Boehly may laugh off Graham Potter’s request for a new striker after the club gave Armando Broja a new long-term contract last month. Recent reports have suggested that the former Brighton boss would like to sign Lille star Jonathan David. However, the Blues owner is believed to be a big fan of the Albanian forward and may not feel the Canadian is necessary.
Chelsea only signed just a new striker, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang arriving from Barcelona on deadline day. He has looked impressive since his arrival scoring three times in his opening six games – but at 33 years old the Gabon captain cannot be considered a long-term option and Potter’s thoughts have already turned to how to replace him.
French publication Jeunes Footeux reports that the Englishman has set his sights on Lille star David. The 22-year-old has been on fire this season, scoring nine times in 11 appearances while he also played an important role in the team’s title-winning success in 2021, scoring the winner in a 1-0 win over PSG that was crucial to bringing the trophy to the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
However, Boehly may argue Chelsea already have a long-term replacement for the former Arsenal captain in Broja. The 21-year-old signed a new deal in September that will tie him to the club until 2028.
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The American is also known to be a fan of the Albanian having opened contract negotiations with the player in the summer despite then boss Thomas Tuchel being open to selling the star amid interest from West Ham.
Borja is yet to start many games for Chelsea so far this season having regularly been used as a late substitute. Despite this, he has still managed to score his first competitive goal for the club, having netted in the 3-0 win over Wolves.
Potter was full of praise for the striker after the goal, stating he was looking forward to helping the player maximise his potential at Stamford Bridge.
“It’s his first goal and he’s been having an impact off the bench,” he said. “You can see what he brings to the team. Again, he’s having to be patient but he’s working hard in training and I think that goal is a big goal for him.
“The boys from the Academy are vital. They bring an understanding of the culture of the club, demands of the club, what’s required in terms of environment.
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“They’ve come from a fantastic education from the Academy so they’re good people and they’re good footballers. Our job now is to maximise their potential, which is really exciting.’
He is not the only long-term replacement for Aubameyang already at Potter’s disposal, with Kai Havertz also available. The German has regularly performed in the No 9 position and remains a hugely talented prospect despite sometimes being somewhat inconsistent. He is contracted to the Blues until 2025 and is another player who is likely to be around for the long term.
It remains to be seen if Potter will be able to pursue his interest in David given the options already at the club with Boehly possibly reluctant to get the chequebook out.
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