Chelsea have the chance to sign their former striker Dominic Solanke this summer.
Dominic Solanke has a release clause in his contract at Bournemouth, making a deal possible during this transfer window.
The 26-year-old may appeal to multiple clubs right now after the season he has just had.
In 38 Premier League games, Solanke scored 19 goals.
Chelsea are set to sign Marc Guiu from Barcelona, but still just 18 years of age, there will be doubts about whether the striker is ready for their first team.
Chelsea’s dilemma with Dominic Solanke
Solanke is one striker who appears to be on Chelsea’s radar right now.
However, according to journalist Simon Phillips, the Blues do not want to pay his release clause, which could be a problem if they want to sign him this summer.
Discussing Bournemouth’s current stance on Solanke on Substack, Phillips said: “SPTC sources have said Chelsea do not want to pay the release clause, which we believe could mean in full.
“Bournemouth are not playing ball and do not want to let Solanke go, so they’re basically saying release clause in full and up front or no deal.”
The Athletic reported earlier this month that Solanke’s release clause is set at around £65m.
Could Bournemouth’s stance soften later in the transfer window?
Bournemouth finished 12th in the Premier League last season.
They were not in any relegation trouble, and that was largely because of Solanke’s goals.
Considering that, the Cherries will not want to sell Solanke to Chelsea or any other club this summer. The Englishman is going to be extremely difficult to replace.
If Chelsea are going to sign Solanke, then, it looks like they will have to trigger his release clause and pay it in full.
However, as things stand, the Blues seem very reluctant to do that. If they do go on to sign another centre-forward after Guiu, it will probably be someone else.