Chelsea have opened talks to sign Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, according to a report.
Kolo Muani joined the French side from Eintracht Frankfurt for £76million in 2023 but struggled for regular playing time.
The 26-year-old moved to Juventus on loan in January and has thrived in Italy with 10 goals in 20 appearances across all competitions.
Juventus are said to be keen on keeping the forward, who scored a brace in their 5-1 win over Al -Ain in the Club World Cup.
However, they face competition from Chelsea, who have entered negotiations to sign Kolo Muani, according to L’Equipe.
Enzo Maresca’s side have already strengthened their attack this summer with the £30m arrival of Liam Delap from Ipswich.
Chelsea have opened talks to sign PSG striker Randal Kolo Muani (second from right)
Kolo Muani has thrived since joining Juventus on loan, scoring 10 goals in 20 games
The Blues’ interest in the Frenchman comes amid doubts over Nicolas Jackson’s future
The Blues’ interest in Kolo Muani comes amid doubts over Nicolas Jackson’s future at Stamford Bridge.
Jackson has led the line for Chelsea over the last past seasons, scoring 30 goals in 80 appearances across all competitions.
However, he has drawn criticism from fans and pundits for his lack of efficiency in front of goal as well as his poor discipline, having been sent off in Chelsea’s 3-1 loss to Flamengo in the Club World Cup.
Just a month ago, Jackson’s Premier League season ended prematurely when he was sent off for a similar challenge against Newcastle on May 11 and handed a three-match ban.
And Obi Mikel, who was working as a pundit for DAZN did not hold back when he was asked about the latest incident.
‘(It was) Unbelievable. Stupid, stupid, stupid mistake,’ said Obi Mikel won two Premier League titles and the Champions League with Chelsea.
‘I don’t know what was going through his head. You come into the game, you are 2-1 down at that point. Your team needs you. And he does that.
‘He did it in a league game at Newcastle. Again, a very important game which we needed to win to qualify for the Champions League. He did that, he got a red card. And now he’s done this. You can’t keep making mistakes.’
Jackson was sent off just four minutes after coming off the bench against Flamengo
But it was when host Ke lySomers suggested that Jackson’s frustration may have boiled over from frustration at losing his place to Delap that Obi Mikel really lost his cool.
‘I don’t care what his frustration is,’ Obi Mikel reacted angrily.
‘It’s a football club. It’s a massive football club and it’s about competition. If you’re p***ed off that Delap’s coming to the football club and he’s going to be the competition with you… you have to embrace it if you are a big player.
‘Because the only way you are going to win trophies if is if you are compete against each other.’
It was at this point that Somers was forced to say sorry to viewers for her guest’s language.
Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel was left furious by Nicolas Jackson’s ‘stupid’ red card
‘Lots of emotion in the studio, so apologies for any language used there,’ she said, holding out both hands in a calming gesture towards Obi Mikel.
After the match, Jackson took to social media to apologise for his actions. Writing on Instagram, he said: ‘I want to say sorry. To the club, the staff, my team-mates, and all the fans watching, I let you down. Another red card… and honestly, I’m so angry at myself.
‘I work hard every day to help the team not to put us in this kind of situation. I still don’t fully understand how it happened. But one thing is clear: it wasn’t intentional. Just a football moment that went the wrong way. No excuses. I take full responsibility.
‘I’ll reflect, I’ll grow, and I’ll come back stronger for the badge and for everyone who believes in me. Sorry. Sorry.’
