As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, who Football Park ranks as tier 1 for reliability, Chelsea has had a €40 million bid rejected by Atletico Madrid for 20-year-old Spanish u21 striker Samu Omorodion.

The striker position has been a problem for the Blues ever since Didier Drogba left them way back in 2012, with many names like Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto'o, and the current Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson failing to fill the void the Ivorian left.

So could Omorodion be the man to finally break that curse?

Samu #Omorodion is now @ChelseaFC first choice in their search for a new striker. #CFC have had a €40m offer rejected by @Atleti and keep working for him. @SkySport 🔵

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) June 18, 2024

Omorodion had an excellent breakthrough season in 2023/2024, helping Deportivo Alaves, where he spent the season on loan from Atletico, finish in a remarkable 10th, scoring nine goals in 35 La Liga games.

This is just one of the reasons Chelsea have made him their first choice for the striking role.

The attacker has similar attributes to Drogba, using his pace and power to help him dominate defenders. Samu also uses his aerial ability, dropping deep to help hold up play.

If Chelsea were successful in their pursuit of the striker, it would be music to the likes of Cole Palmer and Reece James' ears.

Although Jackson had a pretty good season, scoring 17 goals in 44 overall appearances, Chelsea may feel a player with the strength and speed of Omorodion, would help push them back into top 4 contention in the Premier League.

#Calciomercato | Il @ChelseaFC punta #Omorodion: la prima offerta e la richiesta dell'@Atleti 👉https://t.co/6ZWKsrbsr8 pic.twitter.com/Jy0H9OaeJH

— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) June 18, 2024

But could the move be too soon for the youngster?

We have seen different results for different clubs when it comes to buying young strikers from abroad.

Erling Haaland took to the Premier League like water off a ducks back, leading Manchester City to two Premier League titles in his first two seasons.

Then on the other side of Manchester, Rasmus Hojlund struggled for United, not scoring in his first 14 Premier League games for the club.

Omorodion has only had 1 full season in top-flight football, so a move to Chelsea would be a big ask. He is still raw, often struggling with his decision-making.

With Atletico rejecting the opening bid of 40 million, having only paid Granada €6 Million at the start of the 2023/2024 season, it would be a big risk if Chelsea get a deal done for the striker.

But judging how well Samu did last season, it may be a risk that's worth taking. Chelsea would have a striker that could lead their line for the next 15 seasons.