It was pretty clear to many exactly who Chelsea were pushing hard to sign in the final few hours of the summer transfer window.

Victor Osimhen has been a target for a number of years now, however the strongest effort to secure his signature came as the recent summer window came close to closing.

The deal wasn’t able to be done on their terms though, seeing Chelsea walk away from signing Osimhen with moments to go on deadline day.

They elected not to make any panic moves off the back of this in the striker department, tasking Enzo Maresca with getting the best out of what he already has available to him.

The Nigerian was not the only name mentioned throughout the summer as a genuine option, with Jhon Duran also cropping up as a target.

Chelsea considered Jhon Duran on deadline day

Journalist Graeme Bailey has exclusively told The Chelsea Chronicle that the Blues were even discussing the Aston Villa man on deadline day as a potential option.

He said: “It was something that they were trying for really hard [signing a striker]. Jhon Duran was someone that they were back and forth for a number of times, even on Deadline Day, I was told conversations took place.”

It had previously been reported that Duran was available this summer for a fee of around £40m.

Chelsea showing faith in Nicolas Jackson

Nicolas Jackson has started the season in hot fashion, potentially looking to show those at the club that there is no need for them to invest in a new striker for big money.

His efforts have recently seen him rewarded with a new contract at the club in a similar fashion to how Cole Palmer was recognised for his efforts.

The Blues also believe that they have secured a bargain in the price they paid for Jackson, and he will be eager to continue his goalscoring run in the Premier League when the international break comes to an end.

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