Fabrizio Romano has added to the intrigue as Chelsea’s deal to sign striker Samu Omorodion collapses after a big claim about West Ham.
Chelsea and West Ham have been two of the most active clubs in this summer’s transfer window.
The Hammers have been linked with a number of Chelsea outcasts.
But there was a massive twist out of the blue yesterday involving the London rivals.
West Ham had made Atletico Madrid forward Samu Omorodion one of their prime striker targets this summer.
Head coach Julen Lopetegui made signing his fellow Spaniard a top priority.
West Ham looked like they were one step away from getting the pacy but raw forward.
But when Atleti rejected West Ham’s initial approach, Omorodion changed his agent and released a cryptic statement about his future.
Chelsea striker deal collapses amid West Ham claim
It was reported the Irons were going to go back in with another offer.
But then Chelsea bulldozed their way into the deal and put an end to any hopes West Ham had of signing the 20-year-old, who has just won Olympic gold with Spain.
Until yesterday.
Chelsea were said to be on the brink of signing Omorodion and was expected to be announced imminently.
The deal raised eyebrows as many questioned how much game time the West Ham target would get in Chelsea’s bloated squad.
Especially as Todd Boehly is making a renewed pus to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in a mega money deal from Napoli after a 12-month pursuit.
That’s where West Ham came in yesterday.
Romano adds intrigue after Omorodion’s West Ham links
A claim emerged that Chelsea were in talks with West Ham over an immediate loan for Omorodion for the new season.
The Hammers have been linked with a second striker signing after the arrival of Niclas Fullkrug. Especially if Danny Ings and/or Michail Antonio depart. Signing a younger striker with pace has been part of West Ham’s plan – hence interest in Omorodion and Jhon Duran.
Now a Chelsea striker deal collapsed amid the West Ham claim as Fabrizio Romano adds to the intrigue.
It has been announced this morning that Omorodion’s move to Stamford Bridge has fallen through over ‘contractual issues’.
Overnight Romano said the deal was dead.
But he has rather cryptically revealed the raw young star Lopetegui likes could now join another club in the next couple of days.
“Samu Omorodion to Chelsea is 100% OFF,” Romano said on X.
“Major issues confirmed and Omorodion will return to Madrid in the next hours…
“With serious chances to join another club in the next days.”
Lopetegui a big fan of fellow Spaniard
Could that be a big hint from Romano that Omorodion might be on his way to West Ham.
Unless it is a loan with obligation that might be unlikely.
But West Ham have insisted their summer business is not done after Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jean-Clair Todibo.
There are concerns about Fullkrug’s lack of pace – and the fact he turns 32 this season.
So it would make sense that the Hammers are also looking to the future.
Reports are suggesting Chelsea’s pursuit of Osimhen has put Omorodion off rather than the claims he would be loaned to West Ham.
Hammers fans will be watching this one very closely indeed.
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