Chelsea gives green light for major transfer exit as $87m target gives blunt response to rumors

Chelsea's pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion has taken a twist . The Blues have already made inquiries about the 20-year-old and even tabled a verbal bid, which was promptly turned down by the Spanish club.

The likes of Jonathan David , Viktor Gyokeres, Jhon Duran and Victor Osimhen have also been mentioned as potential attacking reinforcements, but Omorodion is the priority for Chelsea , who believe he is one of the best strikers currently available. However, securing the Nigeria international may not be straightforward, as he doesn't seem too keen on leaving Spain.

Quoted by Fabrizio Romano , $87m (£67m/€80m)-rated Omorodion said: "My focus is on Atletico. I noticed that the people of Atletico supported me a lot. I also received a lot of support from the club, they told me to stay calm, that they trusted me. That is very gratifying for a player."

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But if his stance changes in the remaining weeks of the summer window, Chelsea could get the go-ahead to sign him due to Atletico's interest in Conor Gallagher . "Chelsea and Atletico have been speaking all summer," Telegraph journalist Matt Law told the London Is Blue Podcast .

"Samu Omorodion is Chelsea's top center-forward target. A deal may happen if Chelsea can bring down Atletico's price for Samu and Gallagher goes to Atletico in a separate deal." The Chelsea midfielder has been linked to a Stamford Bridge exit over the last few months as his contract expires next summer. Atletico is one club that is interested.

Alongside Gallagher, Romelu Lukaku has also been linked to a departure with Antonio Conte keen on bringing him to Napoli. Talks between both parties have already occurred with an agreement now in place over personal terms, according to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg .

While Lukaku appears one step closer to moving on permanently, the two clubs still need to agree on a fee with a $16m (£13m/€15m) gap in valuation currently present. However, the Italian outfit will be hoping for a transfer green light of their own with Paris Saint-Germain pushing to sign Osimhen with a completed deal opening the door for Lukaku returning to Italy and potentially Omorodion to West London.

Liverpool.com says: It would take a huge summer of transfers for Chelsea to become a title contender next season. Liverpool , Manchester City and Arsenal are some way ahead as things stand. It will be fascinating to see how good a coach Enzo Maresca is, though. He did very well with Leicester City last season but it is a big step up.