Chelsea are reportedly set to launch an attempt to land Mexican international Hirving Lozano from PSV Eindhoven in the ongoing transfer window.
As per a report from Italian outlet Calciomercato (h/t The Sun), Premier League heavyweights Chelsea are looking to beef up their attack in January, by signing PSV Eindhoven star Hirving Lozano.
Chelsea have already dipped their toes in the transfer market in the winter window, having signed USMNT international Christian Pulisic from Borussia Dortmund in a €64 million deal, only to loan him back to the Bundesliga outfit for the rest of the season.
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri remains keen on bringing in a forward before the end of the month though, as concerns continue to grow over a misfiring attack. Alvaro Morata has been in woeful form this term for the Blues and after he fired blanks once again this week against Southampton, patience is starting to wear thin with the former Real Madrid star.
Morata has managed just five Premier League goals this term, while fellow striker Olivier Giroud has fared even worse, netting just a solitary goal in 16 league outings. Sarri has resorted to using Eden Hazard in the false nine role in recent matches, but is seeking a more permanent solution to the problem at hand.
Chelsea were heavily linked with a move for on-loan AC Milan superstar Gonzalo Higuain. But, they are believed to have called off their pursuit of the Argentine, given the complications involved. considering that they will have to negotiate with loan club AC Milan and parent club Juventus to complete the transfer.
Now though, reports in Italy are claiming that Chelsea have instead switched their attention towards PSV’s Lozano and are set to make a £36 million bid for him. The 23-year-old has been making huge waves ever since he joined the Dutch club from Pachuca back in the summer of 2017.
Lozano fired PSV to the Dutch Eredivisie title in his debut campaign, scoring 17 goals and setting up 11 more in 29 league matches. He has continued in the same of vein of form this time out, having already netted 15 times and chalked up 8 assists in 27 matches across all competitions.
The 23-year-old has shone on the international stages with Mexico as well, notching up 8 goals in 34 appearances for El Tri and was impressive in the 2018 FIFA World Cup as well.
Lozano is at his scintillating best when operating on the wings, but has rarely played as a centre-forward in his career. So, it is a bit perplexing that Chelsea are eyeing him as a possible replacement for Morata. However, with Pedro and Willian not getting any younger and persisting question marks over the future of Hazard, he would be an excellent addition to the Blues’ roster.
Lozano’s contract with PSV runs till the summer of 2023. La Liga champions Barcelona are also believed to be keen on the Mexican international, but are unlikely to make a move in the January window, giving Chelsea an edge in his pursuit. However, it remains to be seen if the Blues are able to get their hands on the 23-year-old by the end of the month.
