Chelsea start negotiations to sign French striker

Chelsea have officially begun talks to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain this summer as they continue reshaping their forward line under the new transfer strategy. The West London club is determined to build a formidable attacking unit for the 2025/26 campaign, and Kolo Muani has emerged as a leading target.

Kolo Muani, 26, is currently surplus to requirements at PSG following their triumphant UEFA Champions League campaign. Despite being part of one of the strongest squads in Europe, the French striker has struggled to cement a place in the starting XI in Paris and was sent on loan to Juventus during the second half of the 2024/25 season.

While at Juventus, the Frenchman enjoyed a strong resurgence in form, scoring 10 goals and providing 3 assists in just 21 appearances. His time in Serie A restored confidence in his attacking output and has reignited interest from top European clubs. Among them, Chelsea appear the most serious in securing a permanent deal.

Chelsea’s interest in the striker comes just after signing Liam Delap for £30 million—a relatively modest fee considering current market standards. Despite Delap’s arrival, Chelsea’s management remains unsatisfied with their depth and consistency up front. This opens the door for a second major signing in the striker department.

Nicolas Jackson’s inconsistency has frustrated the technical team, and the young Marc Guiu, although promising, is seen as a long-term project rather than a short-term solution. Sources close to the club suggest that Guiu is set to be loaned out for regular minutes, while Jackson could be sold to create room for a more reliable goal scorer.

Kolo Muani fits the profile of a modern forward—quick, intelligent in his movement, physically strong, and technically gifted. These qualities align well with Chelsea’s tactical blueprint under their current project, making him an ideal candidate to lead the line next season.

According to French outlet L’Équipe, Chelsea have formally opened negotiations with PSG for Kolo Muani’s services. The Blues are reportedly willing to put in a permanent offer, which could give them the edge over Juventus, who prefer another loan deal with an option to buy later.

PSG, on the other hand, are said to prefer a clean sale and want to avoid another loan scenario. That aligns perfectly with Chelsea’s approach, increasing the likelihood of a swift and decisive agreement between the two clubs.

However, the player’s preference will also be crucial. Kolo Muani has rediscovered his rhythm in Italy and is reportedly open to staying at Juventus, where he has felt comfortable and valued. But Chelsea can offer him Premier League football, global exposure, and a central role in a long-term rebuild.

For the Frenchman, the decision will not only be about playing time, but also about long-term vision. Chelsea’s willingness to invest in his potential and give him a starting role could prove decisive. The club is expected to guarantee him the No. 9 role—something Juventus may not be able to promise with their rotational approach.

If Chelsea can secure Kolo Muani, it will significantly reduce Nicolas Jackson’s influence at the club. The Senegalese striker, who has shown flashes of talent but has failed to deliver consistently, could be sold to fund further transfers or used in a swap deal to balance the books.

The acquisition of Kolo Muani would mark a major statement from Chelsea, showcasing their continued intent to compete with Europe’s elite. It would also underscore their willingness to back the manager’s vision and address the club’s long-standing striker issues since the departure of Diego Costa.

Fans will be watching closely as negotiations unfold. The coming weeks could be pivotal not just for Chelsea’s transfer business, but also for the career of Randal Kolo Muani—who now finds himself at a crucial crossroads.

Should he opt for Stamford Bridge, the Premier League would welcome another high-profile French forward, following in the footsteps of legends like Thierry Henry, Olivier Giroud, and Nicolas Anelka. At 26, Kolo Muani still has his prime years ahead, and Chelsea could be the perfect platform for him to fully realize his potential.

The Chelsea board will hope to finalize the deal before pre-season preparations begin. They believe that early integration is key, and a fully fit and settled Kolo Muani could spearhead their attack from the opening weekend.

As for PSG, they are looking to trim their squad and make room for new arrivals. A lucrative deal with Chelsea not only meets their financial goals but also prevents strengthening a domestic rival like Juventus.

If negotiations progress without complications, Chelsea might unveil Kolo Muani before the end of July. It would be their second major signing of the window and possibly the most impactful—one that could define their season.

The story is still developing, but there is no doubt that Chelsea are in the driver’s seat. The only question that remains: will Kolo Muani choose the allure of the Premier League, or will he return to the comfort of Turin?

One thing is certain—Chelsea are not slowing down. Their sights are set high, and the Frenchman could be their next major coup.