Chelsea could be linked with a move for FC Porto striker Mehdi Taremi ahead of the upcoming winter transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Blues have been credited with an interest in the 30-year-old in the past and his outstanding form for club and country may see him finally make the switch to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea transfer news – Mehdi Taremi

Back in August, Portuguese outlet A Bola (via The Sun) claimed that Chelsea were lining up a last-minute move for Taremi, who was valued at £22 million, as they looked to bolster their depleted forward line.

A formal offer failed to materialse from the west London outfit, though, meaning the Iran international stayed put at Porto and has continued to impress both domestically and in Europe.

Taremi has taken his club form onto the international stage as well, bagging a brace against England in his nation's opening Group B encounter at the World Cup before providing an assist in the victory over Wales.

The 6 foot 1 ace’s clinical displays in front of goal have seen the likes of Lazio linked with him, and other clubs from across the continent are likely to join the race for his signature.

What has Jones said about Taremi?

Jones believes that it would have to be the perfect package to tempt Taremi away from Porto but that he can envisage speculation surrounding him and Chelsea reappearing once more.

GiveMeSport Transfer Latest

In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “He has really enjoyed his time in Portugal, and he's thriving there.

“So, I think we have to consider that it would have to be the right club that came along with exactly the right plan for him because I know that he does really enjoy it there.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

“So far, I've seen Lazio linked, Milan linked, and Manchester United linked, so you can already see that the profile of him is starting to rise.

“It wouldn't surprise me at all if we see the likes of Chelsea being linked with him soon too. So yeah, definitely a January when Taremi is going to be raising eyebrows.”

Would Taremi be a good signing?

Taremi has established himself as one of Europe’s leading marksmen since arriving at the Estádio do Dragão back in 2020, registering 62 goals and 43 assists in 115 appearances.

The centre-forward has fired Porto to one league title and one Portuguese Cup during his time at the club, and he could provide a solution to Chelsea’s woes in front of goal.

Graham Potter currently has an ageing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Armando Broja, a promising youngster yet to hit his stride for the west London outfit, to call upon to lead the line.

Taremi, on the other hand, is at the peak of his powers, and with his contract set to expire in 2024, he may well be a cheap option for Chelsea to turn their attention to.