Report reveals Chelsea move for striker 48 hours before he ran Thiago Silva completely ragged
Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi (c) was a target for Chelsea before deadline day
A fresh report has emerged detailing how Chelsea transfer chiefs tried to provide Mauricio Pochettino with a new striker before last week’s transfer deadline.
There was no holding back again from Todd Boehly this summer as the Blues splashed out well over £400million on fresh talent, breaking the British transfer record in the process when they brought in Moises Caicedo for £115m.
However, Chelsea have got off to a sticky start under Pochettino, having recouped only four points from their opening four Premier League games. And last time they were handed a shock home defeat by Nottingham Forest.
That game saw Thiago Silva given the runaround by Forest frontman Taiwo Awoniyi, who provided the assist for Anthony Elanga’s winning goal.
And, according to The Athletic, just 48 hours before that game Chelsea had actually contacted Forest in an effort to strike a deal for Awoniyi.
Their efforts were immediately knocked back though for a player who excelled last season, playing a major role in keeping Forest up, and who has started the new campaign in a similar fashion.
An injury to Christopher Nkunku has left Pochettino soldiering on with just Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja, who has only just returned to full fitness following a long-term knee injury.
Pochettino wanted competition for Jackson
Jackson has impressed so far with his work rate and running power, but has scored just once in his opening four games and missed an absolute sitter late on against Forest that would have rescued a point.
“I think in the future we will be talking differently. He needs time to adapt to the Premier League,” said Pochettino in his post-match press conference when speaking about Jackson. “He is doing a fantastic job but scoring is not easy.
“He is a little bit rushed in his decisions. He needs to be a little bit more calm and relaxed and for sure he is going to score goals.”
The Blues are back in action on September 17 when they head to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
