Chelsea contemplated late move for Taiwo Awoniyi

Chelsea considered a late move for Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi but decided against it for the time being.

According to The Athletic2W, Chelsea contemplated a late move for Nottingham Forest Taiwo Awoniyi but did not proceed with an offer. The 26-year-old Premier League striker may have attracted the interest of other clubs during the summer, and the Blues did need a new No.9 in their side.

Nicolas Jackson is yet to fully flourish as Chelsea’s main striker after four games on board. The former Villarreal star missed a glaring chance against Nottingham Forest, a game they eventually lost courtesy of an Anthony Elanga goal set up by Taiwo Awoniyi.

The latter emerged in the news as Chelsea reportedly contemplated a late move for the 26-year-old Premier League striker. Before Nottingham Forest visited Stamford Bridge last weekend, Awoniyi had scored in seven consecutive league games but compensated with an assist for Elanga’s winner.

Chelsea may have then decided against pursuing the striker as they would have looked to work with whatever options they had. They did bring Cole Palmer on deadline day from Manchester City. But reports suggested they may have considered a move for Jadon Sancho before spending £40-45 million on Palmer.

Chelsea have needed a new no.9 since the summer window began, and many were left astonished by their inability to get one despite spending massively on new players. As things stand, they need a proper, recognised central striker.

They were also keen on Brennan Johnson but cooled their interest before the Welshman joined London rivals Tottenham. The interest in Awoniyi seems natural, as the options in the market may have shrunk late in the window.

Forest will have felt aggrieved had they lost the 26-year-old striker so late in the window, as the Nigerian has become a crucial part of Steve Cooper’s side. While Chelsea’s interest may have tempted the striker, he could have a notable Premier League season with Forest ahead.

Chelsea could re-enter the market in January for a new striker but will hope the form of Jackson and his teammates improve between now and the winter window. The Blues ended the first four rounds in the 12th spot after two defeats in those games.

Mauricio Pochettino was the man who decided to loan out 19-year-old Chelsea player

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino decided it was the right call to send Andrey Santos out on loan this season.

That is according to a report from The Athletic.

Andrey Santos, who’s just 19, completed a move to Nottingham Forest at the end of August on a season-long loan deal.

The teenage midfielder was involved heavily throughout pre-season and made the Blues bench on the opening day of the Premier League, but he’ll continue his development in Nottingham this campaign.

The Athletic claims that Santos made a positive impression with Chelsea during the club’s pre-season schedule.

It is understood that Pochettino was ‘keen’ for the Brazilian youngster to experience regular first-team action away from Stamford Bridge this campaign.

Hopefully, he can do well at the City Ground and break into Forest’s starting line-up.

The competition for places in Chelsea’s midfield looks pretty high when everyone’s fit, so we’re onboard with Santos experiencing game time at a Premier League rival this season.

Journalist Simon Phillips reported via his Substack in July that Santos was setting the standards in Chelsea’s training with his effort.

He’s an extremely versatile midfielder who we can’t wait to watch as the season progresses.

Let’s hope he’s one of the young gems signed by the club that can fulfil huge potential.