Chelsea in race for “super” young striker who is “one of the best scorers in the world”

Porto's Samu Aghehowa and Rodrigo Mora. (REUTERS/Pedro Nunes)

Chelsea’s rebuild under Enzo Maresca has shifted into a higher gear this season.

After another summer of heavy investment and a wave of exciting young arrivals, the Blues have finally found rhythm — sitting inside the top three, playing expansive football and looking increasingly dangerous in attack.

Yet despite the impressive form of João Pedro, Estevão and Cole Palmer (when fit), Chelsea remain committed to adding a world-class No. 9 to anchor their long-term project.

Recruitment staff have been scouring Europe for an elite young finisher — and now, one name has moved right to the top of their shortlist.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea have entered the race for Samu Aghehowa, the Porto sensation who has exploded onto the scene as one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers.

Just 21 years old, Aghehowa has already delivered 36 goals in 59 games since joining the Portuguese giants, earning rave reviews from analysts and scouts across the continent.

Porto president – and former Chelsea manager – André Villas-Boas has labelled him as a “super player” who is “one of the best scorers in the world.” 

Tottenham and Manchester United are also reported to be keen on the Spain international, however, like all suitors, they face a major obstacle: Porto do not want to sell mid-season.

A source told TEAMtalk: “January is a nightmare. Summer 2026 feels far more viable for a move.”

Chelsea would need to commit around £70 million to prise him away at the end of the campaign.

Aghehowa is exactly the type of high-upside, headline-grabbing striker Chelsea have been targeting since their new ownership began reshaping the squad. With the competition fierce and Porto unwilling to negotiate mid-season, this could develop into one of the most compelling transfer battles of next summer.

Barnaby Lane is a highly experienced sports writer who has written for The Times, FourFourTwo Magazine, Sports Illustrated, TalkSPORT, and Business Insider.

Over the years, he's had the pleasure of interviewing some of the biggest names in world sport, including Usain Bolt, Rafael Nadal, Christian Pulisic, and more.