ATLETICO MADRID have rejected Chelsea's £34million bid for Samu Omorodion, according to reports.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca is determined to sign a new striker ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.
The Italian has identified several targets, including Aston Villa's Jhon Duran.
But transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims Omorodion has emerged as a top target.
Chelsea reportedly launched a £34million bid - add-ons included - for the 20-year-old this week.
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However, it was turned down by Atletico Madrid.
The La Liga giants insist they want to keep Omorodion beyond the summer.
Omorodion spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Alaves and scored nine goals in 36 appearances.
He kicked off his professional career with Granada before joining Atletico Madrid in a permanent transfer last August.
If Chelsea are unable to tempt Atletico into a deal, they could keep pursuing a move for Duran.
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But Aston Villa may only approve if they can sign Conor Gallagher or Ian Maatsen in exchange - with a move for both also on the table.
Unai Emery, who is preparing to lead Villa into the Champions League, is reluctant to lose Duran and believes his potential is unlimited.
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