Chelsea are considering a move to add Stuttgart centre-forward Sasa Kalajdzic. There is no secret that the London club are eager to add a new striker, but amid complications in the pursuit of their top targets, the Blues have set their sights on Austria international this transfer window.
The London club’s primary target is Erling Haaland, who himself is keen to make a move to Chelsea. But it appears Bundesliga giants have no intention of cashing in on their striker, forcing the German manager to think out of the box for options.
One of such alternative has emerged as Sasa, who had an impressive season in the Bundesliga last term. In 33 Bundesliga games, Kalajdzic scored 16 goals, helping Die Schwaben finish in mid-table.
The 24-year-old striker displays even helped him make his breakthrough in the national team, with the centre-forward notably being involved in UEFA Euro 2020 previously. The Austrian centre-forward’s towering figure has made him one of the standouts in Germany.
It has not gone ignored elsewhere either, with Thomas Tuchel now believed to be an admirer of Sasa, whose heading prowess certainly makes him an adequate replacement for Olivier Giroud at Stamford Bridge.
The Frenchman has previously joined Milan, despite signing a contract extension earlier this summer. The Blues are further expected to offload other alternatives, with Tammy Abraham also in contention to exit Chelsea.
The English striker was reportedly offered to Tottenham, while Arsenal have been interested as well. His exit should pave the way for the Austrian striker to join the London club this summer.
Kalajdzic has a big opportunity of making an immediate breakthrough as well, given how the Blues have struggled due to Timo Werner’s lack of productivity attack.
In Sasa, the German tactician will find himself a more natural centre-forward, whose heading prowess should be a boon for chance creators like Mount, Havertz and Pulisic. It stays to be seen whether the Blues do make a move for Sasa, though.
His current deal at the German club expires in 2023, but Stuttgart might be reluctant on offloading the striker, as they have already lost one of the main attackers, Nico Gonzalez, to Fiorentina.
It is also fair to point out that Sasa was earlier linked with a move to Liverpool. It will be interesting to see whether Jurgen Klopp rekindles his interest in the Austrian striker, especially if the Blues come knocking on the door for the centre-forward this summer.
