Chelsea make enquiries for £65m-rated striker who won the Under-20 World Cup Golden Ball in 2017

Chelsea could bring Dominic Solanke back to Stamford Bridge this summer as they look to give manager Enzo Maresca options upfront. The Blues are looking to sell Armando Broja and Romelu Lukaku, freeing up space on the wage bill for another striker.

On Wednesday, LondonWorld reported that Chelsea had approached Aston Villa for Jhon Duran with talks ongoing, but sources have also said Solanke is on the list as an option, with the striker having a £65 million release clause in his current deal at Bournemouth.

He enjoyed a remarkable campaign at the Vitality Stadium, with only Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer, and Alexander Isak scoring more than the 19 goals he got. Solanke came through the ranks at Chelsea in 2015 but was never really given a chance before departing for Liverpool.

In 2017, he was named the best player at the Under-20 World Cup after helping England to an extraordinary triumph, winning the Golden Ball in grand style. He led the line all tournament for Paul Simpson's men, right up to the final where they beat Venezuela 1-0 to win the first world title for an England team since 1966.

Chelsea’s Options

Chelsea began the summer looking at Victor Osimhen but quickly ruled him out after it became clear they would have to meet his buyout clause in excess of £100 million. They were further disappointed when RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko decided he would stay in the Bundesliga.

Since then, they have been linked with Villa’s Colombian striker Duran and, before him, Manchester City’s unhappy striker Julian Alvarez.

Chelsea sources have also indicated that they will not be selling French forward Christopher Nkunku after injuries disrupted his first season in the Premier League. There is a belief that he will be fitter and more experienced in his second season.