Michael Olise’s snub has forced Chelsea to change their summer transfer plans (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea have reacted to being rejected by Michael Olise by beginning talks to sign long-term Manchester United target Jonathan David.
The Blues were thought to be the leading contenders to sign the Crystal Palace winger but have been beaten to his signing by Bayern Munich.
Chelsea are understood to have baulked at Olises’s wage demands and have quickly moved onto fresh targets.
A new centre forward and a winger are understood to be the most pressing priorities for Todd Boehly and his backroom team, who are hoping to arm new manager Enzo Maresca with a squad capable of securing Champions League qualification.
Jhon Duran, the Aston Villa centre forward, has been under consideration but Chelsea are currently hesitating over following up their interest with an official bid.
By contrast, according to the Athletic, there has been no deliberation over joining the race to sign David from Lille.
The Canada international has been coveted by both United and Arsenal in the past and with 84 goals in 183 matches he represents a low risk signing, particularly given he has entered the final 12 months of his contract.
Lille’s Canadian forward Jonathan David celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the French L1 football match between Lille and RC Strasbourg (Picture: Getty)
Chelsea have cooled their interest in Jhon Duran (Picture: Getty)
Lille are willing to part company with the 24-year-old who boasts an excellent injury record.
Chelsea, meanwhile, have confirmed the signing of Brazilian prodigy Estevao Willian who will spend the next 12 months at Palmeiras before joining his new club in the summer of 2025.
A statement on their official website read: ‘Chelsea Football Club has agreed a deal to sign teenage forward Estevao Willian from Palmeiras, with the Brazilian to officially join Chelsea next summer.
‘The 17-year-old has already built a strong reputation in South America as one of the most exciting talents around due to his skilful dribbling and electric pace, causing defences plenty of problems in his breakout season in senior football.
‘Estevao has featured 10 times in the Brazilian Serie A for Palmeiras, contributing two goals and two assists, as well as also finding the net in the Copa Libertadores and Copa do Brasil.
‘The exciting forward, who joins fellow Brazilians Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington and Angelo Gabriel at Stamford Bridge, has also featured for his nation at youth level.’
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