Chelsea FC is considering entering formal negotiations to acquire Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke, valued at £65 million, to enhance their attacking lineup this summer.
The Blues have already fortified their defense with the acquisition of Tosin Adarabioyo from Fulham and are now shifting their focus to their offensive capabilities.
Despite targeting Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise and Atletico Madrid’s Samu Omorodion, Chelsea faces setbacks as Olise is likely to join Bayern Munich, and interest in Omorodion has waned. This has prompted Chelsea to explore other options, with Solanke emerging as a potential candidate.
Journalist Simon Phillips reported that while Bournemouth demands the full release clause upfront, Chelsea is weighing the possibility of negotiations to reach a more favorable agreement.
Phillips mentioned that increasing interest in Solanke has been noted over the past week and a half, despite Bournemouth’s firm stance on the release clause.
Solanke had an impressive 2023/24 Premier League season, scoring 19 goals in 38 matches. However, this was his first standout performance in England’s top tier, raising concerns about the £65 million price tag being a substantial gamble for Chelsea.
The Athletic had previously detailed Solanke’s release clause, indicating that it could be activated by specific clubs.
Chelsea’s decision hinges on whether they can persuade Bournemouth to accept a lower fee, making Solanke a more viable and less risky acquisition. As they navigate the summer transfer market, the Blues are keen to secure a striker who can consistently deliver in the Premier League without overstretching their budget.
