Chelsea target Marcus Thuram is "100% not going to extend" his current Borussia Monchengladbach contract, as speculation around his exit intensifies, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano told GIVEMESPORT.
Thuram's deal at Borussia-Park expires at the end of the current campaign, with Romano hinting a move away from Germany could happen in January.
Chelsea transfer news - Marcus Thuram
Having already signed four players so far this window, Chelsea's January spending doesn't appear to be finished, with the potential of more arrivals at Stamford Bridge. Joao Felix became the latest signing under the Todd Boehly era, joining from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season for a whopping £9 million loan fee, taking Chelsea's spending well over £300 million for the 2022/23 campaign.
It's clear to see why Chelsea are targeting attacking talents, given their deficiency in front of goal this season. No side in the Premier League's top 10 have netted fewer goals than the Blues, with Chelsea having struggled to find a rhythm so far under Graham Potter.
In need of a change of fortunes, it's been suggested Chelsea could return to the market, this time in search of a centre-forward. Despite splurging close to £100 million on Romelu Lukaku less than 18 months ago, Chelsea are in the market for another striker, with Thuram tipped to join Potter's side.
According to 90min, Chelsea are keen on pursuing a deal for the out-of-contract Thuram in January, amid interest from various European outfits. Manchester United and Inter Milan have both been linked, with Monchengladbach consigned to the fact they'll lost Thuram, either in the January window, or on a free transfer in the summer.
What has Romano said about Thuram to Chelsea?
In an interview with GMS, Romano explained Thuram's current situation, while also shedding light on his potential suitors.
"Also in this case it depends on the conditions of the deal," Romano told GMS.
"Thuram is available as a free agent in the summer because he’s 100% not going to extend the contract with Gladbach.
"So, many clubs are approaching him from Italy, like Inter to sign him as a free agent in the summer.”
What would Thuram offer Chelsea's attack?
Should Chelsea's pursuit of Thuram prove successful in January, they'll end up with an accomplished attacker. Having scored 60 career goals, Thuram is currently in the midst of one of his best goalscoring seasons, after netting 10 times in 15 Bundesliga appearances this season (Transfermarkt).
A natural in front of goal, Thuram ranks inside the top seven per cent for non-penalty goals amongst forwards, according to Fbref. Capable of playing anywhere across a front three, but mostly deployed as an out-and-out striker, Thuram would likely add a much-needed clinical edge to Chelsea's stuttering attack.
According to Understat, Chelsea have matched their expected goals for the campaign (20), indicating clear issues in the Blues' forward line. Adding a player like Thuram to their ranks could be what Chelsea need if they're to push on and get back into top-four contention.