CHELSEA have reportedly made an approach to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle.
But they could be forced to pay a club-record transfer fee for the Swedish striker.
Chelsea have made no secret of their desire to land a top forward this summer.
The Blues spurned numerous chances last season as Nicolas Jackson netted just 14 times.
Christopher Nkunku also missed most of the campaign through injury.
And Todd Boehly is determined to land a clinical hitman as Enzo Maresca prepares to kick off his Stamford Bridge reign next week.
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Chelsea have looked at several strikers this month including Lille's Jonathan David, Aston Villa's Jhon Duran and Atletico Madrid's Samu Omorodion.
But the claims they have now turned their attention to 24-year-old Newcastle star Isak.
He has established himself as one of the Premier League's top attackers, scoring 35 goals in 67 games following a £63million move from Real Sociedad in 2022.
And Chelsea have made an enquiry after holding talks with Toon chiefs.
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The Blues are aware that Newcastle need to sell some players this summer to stay in line with Profit and Sustainability rules.
Eddie Howe previously declared he wants to keep stars like Isak and Bruno Guimaraes at St James' Park, but Newcastle have conceded that every player has a price.
For Chelsea, that would likely be another club-record fee following last summer's £115m capture of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.
It's reckoned Toon value Isak at double the £63m they paid for him two years ago.
But it remains to be seen whether Boehly is prepared to fork out another huge sum after already taking his spending to £1billion.
The adds that Newcastle are "unconcerned" by Chelsea's approach and expect Isak to sign a new contract.
They don't want to sell the forward and could even demand over £200m to do a deal.
Chelsea already have two new young strikers on the way, with a £19m deal for Aston Villa's Omari Kellyman near completion.
The Blues have also met the £5m release clause of Barcelona prodigy Marc Guiu.
And both teens are expected to link up with Chelsea for pre-season training.
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Maresca will also get to run the rule over new centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, who joined on a free transfer from Fulham.
While the Blues remain in the hunt for a winger after missing out on Crystal Palace's Michael Olise to Bayern Munich.
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Chelsea have held talks with Jonathan David's representatives, according to reports.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Elsewhere, Bayern Munich have agreed a £50million deal to sign Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, according to reports.
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