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- 1 hours ago
Chelsea transfer breakthrough close as Maresca looks to end striker curse
Cameron Smith
- 31 Oct 2025 11:27 GMT
- 4 min read
News
Chelsea are “actively working” on a deal to sign Strasbourg striker Joaquin Panichelli next summer, according to reports.
The Blues have already finalised a transfer for Emanuel Emegha to join the club in 2026, but they are now reportedly eager to land fellow Strasbourg centre forward Panichelli following his electric start to the new season.
Current ETV
Joaquín Panichelli
F (C)
Strasbourg
Joaquín Panichelli
F (C)
Strasbourg
ETV Range
€7.9M - €10.7M
The 23-year-old joined Liam Rosenior’s side from Alaves for €16.5 million in late July and he has immediately established himself as an integral player for the French side amid Emegha’s injury issues.
Emegha has only been able to make six appearances across all competitions so far this season due to a hamstring problem, scoring four goals and providing two assists during this time, and this has allowed Panichelli to play a substantial role during the early weeks of the new campaign.
The Argentine striker has hit the ground running since his arrival in France and he has notched nine goals in just 10 Ligue 1 matches this term - the fourth-most of any player in Europe’s top five leagues, behind only Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe.
Joaquin Panichelli to join Chelsea?
AC Milan have been alerted to Panichelli’s immense form so far this campaign, however Chelsea are now eager to bring him to Stamford Bridge in 2026.
That is according to Spanish publication Fichajes, who have revealed that Chelsea’s hierarchy are “actively working” on a deal to sign the 23-year-old next summer.
The Blues hold a key advantage in negotiations to land the Argentine striker as Strasbourg are part of their multi-club ownership group, although a deal has not yet been agreed.
However, it’s understood that Chelsea’s recruitment team are now discussing an offer for Panichelli next summer as they look to land another new striker.
Chelsea's striker signings since 2020
| Player | Transfer Fee | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Romelu Lukaku | €113m | 15 |
| Kai Havertz | €100m | 32 |
| Joao Pedro | €63.7m | 5 |
| Christopher Nkunku | €60m | 18 |
| Timo Werner | €53m | 23 |
| Nicolas Jackson | €37m | 30 |
| Liam Delap | €35.5m | 1 |
| Deivid Washington | €16m | 0 |
| Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang | €12m | 3 |
| David Datro Fofana | €12m | 0 |
| Marc Guiu | €6m | 7 |
The Blues already have Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Marc Guiu as centre forward options at the club, and youngster Tyrique George has also regularly been deployed through the middle this campaign.
Furthermore, academy starlet Shumaira Mheuka is expected to make the step up into a first-team role at some point over the next few years, while Dastan Satpaev and Emegha are also both set to arrive at Stamford Bridge in 2026.
Despite this, Chelsea are still interested in bringing Panichelli to the club.
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