Chelsea linked with STUNNING €100m transfer for prolific Isak alternative

Chelsea have been linked with a stunning €100 million move for one of the most prolific strikers in Europe although they could face competition from one of their Premier League rivals in any move.

Enzo Maresca’s side will look to sign a new striker this summer to provide competition for Nicolas Jackson, with Christopher Nkunku likely to leave after failing to impress in his appearances up front.

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While Chelsea have a number of strikers on their shortlist such as Liam Delap and Benjamin Sesko, the Blues are aware that many of their top targets are also being coveted by a number of other sides.

The situation has led Chelsea to expand their search and Portuguese outlet Record has claimed that a move for Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis could be on the cards this summer.

The 26-year-old only joined Benfica last summer for €18m but his debut campaign for the club has seen Pavlidis net 24 times in all competitions, including seven times in the Champions League.

Pavlidis has a release clause of €100m in his contract but the report states that amount is unlikely to be met, with Newcastle, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona also among the named teams with an interest.

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Chelsea could utilise Benfica contacts to lower Pavlidis asking price

A big-money move for Pavlidis would raise eyebrows, particularly with Chelsea preferring younger signings and eyeing a striker who has a bigger pedigree in the top leagues.

Pavlidis has been prolific across his career but the Greek international has spent the vast majority of his career in the Netherlands prior to his move to Benfica.

However, Chelsea have enjoyed a strong relationship with Benfica in recent years and could broker a more financially suitable package if Pavlidis is the man the club choose to progress with.

Pavlidis, who netted twice for Greece against England last year, is also said to be considered as a replacement for Alexander Isak if the Swede leaves Newcastle this summer.