Chelsea BOMBSHELL: Maresca eyes shock move for Championship striker

Chelsea are eyeing a shock move for West Bromwich Albion forward Josh Maja, according to sensational reports in Spain.

The 26-year-old has scored 12 goals in 26 Championship appearances so far this season and his form at The Hawthorns has attracted the attention of both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, as per Fichajes.

Maja has 18 months remaining on his current West Brom contract and the Baggies are set to demand a fee worth around €18 million to sanction a sale during the January transfer window.

READ MORE: Chelsea star reaches ‘TOTAL AGREEMENT’ for January transfer

Chelsea have now emerged as surprise candidates to sign the former Bordeaux star this month as Enzo Maresca searches for forward reinforcements amid the club’s shaky recent form.

Maja netted three goals in 15 Premier League games during a six-month loan spell with Fulham in 2021, but the bulk of his experience in English football has come in the Championship and League One.

READ MORE: Chelsea confident of signing the ‘next Gyokeres’

Chelsea want a new centre forward

Christopher Nkunku has been heavily linked with a Chelsea departure amid his struggles for game time so far this season, while Marc Guiu has been tentatively tipped to leave Stamford Bridge on loan in order to continue his development.

As a result, Chelsea are in the market for a new centre forward, with Victor Osimhen constantly touted to join the Blues and Viktor Gyokeres also on the club’s radar.

Jonathan David could represent a bargain opportunity this summer, given he is set to become a free agent when his Lille contract expires at the end of June, while Chelsea are monitoring Liam Delap’s progress at Ipswich Town.

Nicolas Jackson has failed to score in each of his last four Premier League appearances, with Chelsea picking up just two points during that time, although he has netted nine goals in 20 games so far this campaign.