Chelsea’s striker search prompted shock bid for Premier League star

Chelsea have already been one of the Premier League’s busiest clubs so far this transfer window, but The Blues’ spending doesn’t look like stopping any time soon. 

Owner Todd Boehly has already splashed out on moves for David Datro Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Andrey Santos, while Joao Felix has also arrived in London on a six-month loan spell.

Despite only being a loan, the move for Felix is rumoured to have cost Chelsea around £10 million.

It has also since been reported that Arsenal target Mykhaylo Mudryk is set to join Chelsea, with the Ukraine international expected to be in attendance for The Blues’ game against Crystal Palace on Sunday, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Now, it has emerged that Chelsea’s search for a forward saw them have a shock bid for a Premier League star rejected.

According to The Observer, Graham Potter and those in charge of the club enquired about a loan move for West Ham United striker Michail Antonio.

The report claims that injuries to Potter’s frontline prompted The Blues to enquire about the availability of the 32-year-old, although the offer was rejected by The Hammers.

Antonio has scored 66 goals in 253 matches for The Hammers since joining the club from Nottingham Forest in 2015.

Chelsea enquired about signing Antonio on loan

His playing time this term has been reduced slightly following the arrival of Gianluca Scamacca, but the Jamaica international has still netted five times in all competitions.

Despite West Ham’s refusal to let Antonio leave on loan, it is claimed in the report that The Hammers are prepared to sell the striker, with Wolves believed to be interested.

At present, Chelsea are without Christian Pulisic, Raheem Sterling and Joao Felix, while Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have both failed to impress this term.

Several supporters have called for Potter to give Fofana his Premier League debut when The Eagles visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday, but the ex-Brighton boss has so far stuck with Havertz despite his worrying form in front of goal.