Chelsea have 'accelerated' their interest in Noni Madueke and are 'definitely very keen' on luring the PSV Eindhoven star to Stamford Bridge, journalist Simon Phillips has told GiveMeSport.
The Blues have been busy since the transfer window reopened for business at the start of the month and completed the £88.5million acquisition of Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk on Sunday.
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Chelsea transfer news - Noni Madueke
According to ESPN, Chelsea have tested PSV's resolve by lodging a bid worth close to £27million for Madueke.
The report suggests Blues boss Graham Potter has been tracking the winger for an extensive period and the west Londoners have headed to the negotiating table despite the Eredivisie giants making it clear they have no interest in sanctioning a mid-season departure.
Chelsea have upped the ante in their pursuit after it emerged that talks had been opened with PSV over a potential deal for Madueke last week.
But the Dutch outfit are in a strong negotiating position and do not necessarily need to entertain bids as the 20-year-old still has more than two years remaining on his contract.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano recently told GiveMeSport that Madueke is 'appreciated' by Chelsea, but Cody Gakpo's move to Liverpool could worsen the capital club's chances of striking a deal.
What has Simon Phillips said about Madueke?
Phillips understands that Chelsea are firm admirers of Madueke and they remain keen on enticing youthful talent to Stamford Bridge after winning the race for Mudryk.
The journalist is aware that the Blues have held discussions with the England under-21 international's representatives after he has moved up Potter's shortlist of targets.
Phillips told GiveMeSport: "Chelsea are definitely very keen on this player. He's one of many top young talents that Chelsea are trying to bring in.
"We've seen already, since the new owners came in, that they have been splashing the cash on young players.
"He's another one that has come to the forefront and they've recently accelerated that interest and had some initial contact with his agent to see if a deal is doable."
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
Would Madueke be a good signing for Chelsea?
Madueke has scored 20 goals and registered a further 14 assists in 80 PSV appearances, according to Transfermarkt, so there is no doubt that he is a major threat in the final third of the pitch.
Although it has not been a particularly productive season so far, having only found the back of the net twice, his performances have still been eye-catching.
That is emphasised by the fact only four teammates have bettered Madueke's WhoScored rating of 7.28 in the Dutch top flight since the campaign got underway.
Chelsea splashed out £47.5million on Raheem Sterling last summer, but statistics show they may have been better off acquiring the PSV talisman.
That is because FBref data shows Madueke has averaged more goals, shots, tackles and blocks than the former Manchester City star per 90 minutes this term, which demonstrates that he would make Potter's side more dangerous in attack and contribute defensively.
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