Transfer Centre

Chelsea 'turn attention to Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson'

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter
Published: 17 August 2023 12:50 PM

Chelsea 'turn attention to Forest forward Johnson'

Chelsea allegedly turn their attention to trying to sign Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson on the back of being rejected by Crystal Palace playmaker Michael Olise.

Chelsea have reportedly identified Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson as a potential transfer target.

While the Blues have been known to be in the market for new players throughout the summer window, Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital have stepped up their efforts over the past week.

Earlier this week, Chelsea completed the signing of Moises Caicedo for a British-record transfer fee, and Romeo Lavia is expected to follow the Ecuador international in making the switch to Stamford Bridge.

However, the West Londoners were dealt a blow on Thursday when it emerged that Michael Olise had opted to sign a new contract at Crystal Palace rather than move across the capital.

That development came that Chelsea had indicated that they were either prepared to meet the France Under-21 international's release clause or pay marginally more over a number of instalments.

Chelsea co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly in the stands before the match on August 13, 2023 © Reuters

Boehly and co will now turn their attention elsewhere, with it being an open secret that Mauricio Pochettino wants to add at least one more attack-minded player to his squad.

According to The Guardian, Johnson has been added to their shortlist of potential signings ahead of the end of the month.

Having come through the academy system at the City Ground, the Wales international has chipped in with 29 goals and 12 assists from 106 appearances in all competitions.

As many as 11 of those contributions came in the 2022-23 Premier League - his first season at that level - and the 22-year-old has been linked with other high-profile teams.

Manchester United's Aaron Wan-Bissaka in action with Nottingham Forest's Brennan Johnson on April 16, 2023 © Reuters

Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa have been credited as admirers of the versatile attacker, who is allegedly valued in the region of £45m.

Whether the East Midlands outfit will be able to recoup that fee remains to be seen, but each of Chelsea and Spurs have the desired funds earmarked for fresh faces in the final third.

Villa also require a replacement for the injured Emiliano Buendia, although it is unclear if they would be willing to meet Forest's valuation having not necessarily planned to make another statement signing in that area of the pitch after Moussa Diaby.

Johnson, who still has three years left on his Forest contract, played 80 minutes of their 2-1 defeat at Arsenal last weekend.