Report: Chelsea ready to make £87m move for striker who has eight goals this season

Chelsea are once again making headlines in the transfer market, with the club reportedly preparing an £87 million bid for one of Europe’s brightest young attacking stars, FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa. According to reports from Portugal, the Blues are determined to secure a long-term solution to their attacking struggles and believe the 21-year-old Spaniard could be the answer.

Since joining Porto, Aghehowa has quickly become one of the most exciting forwards in European football. His rise has been nothing short of remarkable — from a promising youngster at Atlético Madrid to a full-fledged star in Portugal, commanding the attention of Europe’s elite clubs. Chelsea, known for their relentless pursuit of top-tier talent, are now ready to make another bold statement.

The west London giants were actually interested in signing Aghehowa as far back as 2024, when he was still at Atlético Madrid. Talks were reportedly advanced, but the deal fell through late in the summer window. Porto wasted no time swooping in to complete the transfer, and the move has since proved a masterstroke.

Aghehowa’s debut campaign in Portugal was electric. The young striker netted 25 goals across all competitions, displaying composure, intelligence, and a finishing instinct that belied his age. His ability to create space, link up play, and deliver under pressure made him an instant hit with Porto fans — and a nightmare for defenders across the league.

This season, Aghehowa has taken his game to an even higher level. With eight goals in just nine appearances, he’s become the focal point of Porto’s attack. His performances in both the Primeira Liga and the Champions League have caught the eye of top scouts, and it seems inevitable that he will soon move to one of Europe’s biggest stages.

For Chelsea, the timing feels perfect. Under Enzo Maresca, the Blues have been trying to rebuild their identity after a turbulent few seasons. Despite investing heavily in attacking players like Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, goals have remained a concern. Maresca wants a striker who can guarantee consistent output — and Aghehowa fits that profile perfectly.

The club’s decision to prepare an £87 million offer underlines just how highly they rate the young Spaniard. They see him as a forward capable of leading the line for the next decade — a player around whom the attack can be built. His blend of pace, power, and technical quality would add a new dimension to Chelsea’s front line, complementing the creativity of players like Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández.

However, striking a deal with Porto will not be easy. The Portuguese giants are under no financial pressure to sell and have Aghehowa tied to a long-term contract running until June 2029. This puts them in a strong negotiating position, allowing them to demand a massive fee or reject offers altogether.

Chelsea’s pursuit of Aghehowa also highlights their continued commitment to youth-driven recruitment. Since Todd Boehly’s takeover, the club has prioritized signing players under 25 with high resale potential. Aghehowa fits neatly into that model, but this move is about more than potential — it’s about proven quality at the top level.

Still, Porto will fight to keep their star. The club views Aghehowa as central to their sporting project, especially given his importance in domestic and European competitions. Losing him could severely impact their ambitions, meaning Chelsea will likely have to go above and beyond if they are to succeed where other suitors have failed.

As things stand, the Blues appear ready to make that push. The Premier League side have sent scouts to watch Aghehowa multiple times this season, with glowing reports coming back to Stamford Bridge. The message from the scouting department has been clear — he’s the real deal.

Whether or not Chelsea can convince Porto to sell remains to be seen, but their intent is unmistakable. After years of searching for a true No.9 to fill the void left by Didier Drogba and Diego Costa, the club believes Samu Aghehowa could finally be that man. If the deal materializes, it would mark another ambitious step in Chelsea’s ongoing rebuild — and possibly the arrival of Europe’s next great striker at Stamford Bridge.