Chelsea have stepped up their interest in Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.

The 25-year-old World Cup finalist has been heavily linked with a switch to the Premier League, and Phillips says he has now moved towards the top of the Blues' striker shortlist.

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Chelsea transfer news - Marcus Thuram

Phillips informed GMS last month that Chelsea have identified Thuram as a target as they look to bring in a new No.9.

Manager Graham Potter could really do with some more firepower right now due to his side's struggles this season and injuries.

The Blues have only scored 20 goals in the Premier League, which pales in comparison to their rivals at the top, and recently lost Armando Broja to a serious injury.

Signing a new forward this month now appears to be a priority for Potter as he tries to get Chelsea back on track again.

What has Simon Phillips said about Marcus Thuram and Chelsea?

Phillips says Thuram has worked his way up Chelsea's shortlist and is an attainable target in this transfer window.

Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: "Chelsea really like Thuram and are stepping up their interest in him.

"He’s made his way up towards the top of the forward shortlist for this window, and he presents an opportunity for Chelsea to land a top forward for a very low fee, with his contract up in the summer. I've been told he is attainable this month."

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What would Marcus Thuram bring to Chelsea?

At 6 ft 4, Thuram would bring a physical presence to Stamford Bridge like Chelsea strikers of the past, namely Didier Drogba, Diego Costa and Olivier Giroud. On that note, he is perhaps the kind of forward the west London club have missed.

The Frenchman has also shown this season that he can find the back of the net. As per Transfermarkt, he has scored 10 goals in 15 league outings. In total in his senior career, he has registered 59 times in 234 appearances.

The fact that Thuram can play out wide is also an added bonus.

"He's still getting used to that central striker role," Monchengladbach manager Daniel Farke was quoted as saying by Kicker last year.

The former Norwich City boss, however, later went on to add that the France international is "an exceptional player of the highest international class".

With Thuram's contract set to expire in the summer, Chelsea could have the opportunity to pick him up for as little as £10m this month. And everything suggests he could be a shrewd addition to their squad.

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