Two-time UEFA Europa League winners, Chelsea, have picked interest in Alex Iwobi’s ex-teammate, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, after talks with Victor Osimhen stalled, Soccernet.ng reports.
Enzo Maresca’s side are still in the transfer market in search of a striker to rival Nicolas Jackson up-front. The Blues were in contact with Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, but the deal looks to be off after it was reported that the former LOSC Lille man wants £500,000 per week to be the highest-paid player in the Premier League.
As per Football Talk, Chelsea have identified a low-cost alternative to Osimhen in the shape of Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The 27-year-old Englishman has refused to agree to a contract extension under Sean Dyche, and his current deal runs out at the end of the season.
Per Transfermarkt, Calvert-Lewin is valued at £19m, but considering his contract situation, Everton will be looking to cash in for a lesser fee, or else they risk losing him for free next summer.
While the financial package for Calvert-Lewin is relatively cheaper than Osimhen’s, a move for the eleven-time capped Englishman might not be best for Chelsea in terms of performances on the football pitch.
In the past three seasons, Calvert-Lewin has found the back of the net nine times in 51 games, and while he offers a different profile to Jackson in Chelsea’s attack, he won’t be considered an upgrade in terms of goalscoring.
Alex Iwobi and Dominic Calvert-Lewin played 88 games together at Everton, averaging 1.26 points per game. The pair combined for just three goals during Iwobi’s time at Goodison Park.