After causing a sensation last summer by signing Moisés Caicedo (22) for £115 million (approximately ₩200.9 billion), Chelsea is now embarking on another 'major signing.' They have met with Newcastle to acquire their star forward Alexander Isak (24) and are willing to pay a record Premier League transfer fee.

Keith Downie of Sky Sports reported on social media on the 29th (Korean time), "Chelsea had further contacts with Newcastle regarding Isak. Newcastle does not want to sell their star players, but they are in a difficult situation due to financial issues. Despite recurring groin injuries, Isak's value is expected to exceed £100 million (approximately ₩174.7 billion)."

Chelsea secured a UEFA Conference League (UECL) spot after a strong finish to the 2023-24 season but made the bold move of parting ways with manager Mauricio Pochettino (52, Argentina). With Enzo Maresca (44, Italy) as the new manager, they are actively working on restructuring the squad and making new signings.

Chelsea is currently focused on bolstering their forward line. Although Nicolas Jackson (23) scored 17 goals (6 assists) in 44 official matches, his inconsistent finishing has not inspired confidence. Consequently, Chelsea has been looking for other attackers and is close to signing Barcelona prospect Marc Guiu (18). They are also planning to capitalize on Newcastle's financial problems to bring in Isak.

Newcastle may have to sell star players to comply with the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Violating these rules could result in severe penalties, such as points deductions, as seen with Everton and Nottingham Forest. Isak, one of the most valuable players in Newcastle's squad, has emerged as a likely candidate for sale.

Newcastle has set a substantial transfer fee for Isak, reportedly higher than the Premier League record of £115 million. On the 27th, the Daily Mail reported, "Chelsea has inquired about Isak. They understand that acquiring him will require a fee higher than Caicedo's £115 million."

Chelsea, who broke the transfer fee record by signing Caicedo last year, is ready to set a new record within a year. They signed Caicedo after a fierce bidding war with Liverpool, paying a staggering transfer fee. Along with Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal are also monitoring Isak's situation, but Chelsea plans to outbid their rivals with an enormous transfer fee once again.

Swedish national team forward Isak has honed his skills at clubs like AIK, Dortmund, and Real Sociedad before becoming a top Premier League striker at Newcastle. He boasts impressive height and speed, coupled with technical dribbling and ambidextrous finishing ability. In the 2023-24 season, Isak scored 21 goals (2 assists) in 30 league matches, ranking third in the Premier League's scoring chart. 먹튀검증