Chelsea explore options to sign two attackers

Chelsea are exploring the option of signing two attackers this summer amid ongoing talks with Borussia Dortmund for winger Jamie Gittens.

Dortmund continue to hold out for €70m (£60m) and Chelsea are not in a rush to complete the deal given Gittens is cup-tied for the knockout stages of the Club World Cup.

Alternatives for the 20-year-old include Lyon's Malick Fofana, who has been sounded out for the position vacated by Jadon Sancho after he returned to Manchester United following his season-long loan for a £5m penalty fee.

Signing a versatile forward is seen as a lesser priority but would be done in conjunction with any potential sale of Christopher Nkunku, with Brighton's Joao Pedro and Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike among options considered. The Blues are not currently interested in Randal Kolo Muani despite recent links.

Moves for goalkeepers, left-backs and centre-backs are not ruled in or out and depend entirely on sales of current squad players.

Chelsea were offered the opportunity to sign AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan for £25m but refused to meet the asking price and are not expected to revive their interest.

They remain broadly happy with the three goalkeeping options currently in the squad, featuring Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and new teenage signing Mike Penders.

Senior sources have also explained they are not afraid to make the squad even younger and are not expecting to have a summer like 2022 or 2023 - when the Blues broke records for fees paid and transfers both in and out of the club.

Chelsea could sign as few as two or three senior players with the squad in good condition in terms of quality, age profile and contract situations.