According to reports, Chelsea joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Napoli centre-forward Arkadiusz Milik.
Poland international forward has moved to Serie A giants from Ajax in 2016 however, injuries have largely restricted him to a back-up role, with his 35 Serie A games last campaigns the first time he has managed over 20 in the Italian top-tier.
Fellow forward Dries Mertens is expected to put pen on a new deal with the Serie A giants and reports have suggested that the Belgium international’s extending deal could act as a “farewell ticket” for Milik and give more first-team minutes under Gennaro Gattuso.
The Spurs have been linked with Polish forward for several months, however, according to Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla., the Blues have now registered interest. The reporter suggests that the Spurs are “pushing a lot” to secure the services of Arkadiush Milik, with Atletico Madrid and Juventus also said to be keen.
The 26-year-old forward has one year left on his current deal and it is unclear whether he will put pen on an extension – if he chooses not to, Serie A giants are reportedly keen to offload him during the summer transfer window rather than risk losing him for free next campaign.
Chelsea and Tottenham were both keen to strengthen their offensive end during the winter transfer window how they struggled to make any new additions. However, Spurs lost Harry Kane due to a hamstring injury on New Years’ Day and signed Steven Bergwijn and Gedson Fernandes, although no out-and-out forward was brought in.
Across London, the West London club head-coach Frank Lampard was keen to find support for Tammy Abraham amid uncertainty over future of world-cup winning forward Olivier Giroud. Frenchman has since put pen on a one-year extension at Stamford Bridge, although Willian and Pedro could both depart at the end of this campaign.