Chelsea in the race for the young forward.
Image credit: Football Talent Scout
Chelsea is actively working to strengthen their squad under new manager Enzo Maresca, with reports indicating that the club is keen on securing a promising young striker.
Their latest target? Stefanos Tzimas, a 19-year-old Greek forward currently on loan at Nurnberg from PAOK Thessaloniki.
Chelsea in the Race for Tzimas
According to reports from BILD thorough Sport Witness, Chelsea is pushing hard to sign Tzimas in the upcoming transfer window.
The teenager has been attracting interest from several top clubs, including Liverpool, but Stamford Bridge appears to be the most likely destination. The Blues are reportedly willing to meet PAOK’s €25m (£21m) asking price.
However, negotiations may be tricky. Nurnberg is expected to activate their buy option for Tzimas before potentially selling him at a profit—a scenario Chelsea is prepared to accommodate.
Why Chelsea Wants Stefanos Tzimas
Nicolas Jackson has been Chelsea’s primary striker, tallying an impressive 23 goals and nine assists in his Premier League career so far. However, he has struggled with consistency, enduring a recent five-game goal drought.
Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku has faced persistent injury setbacks and is now a transfer target for Bayern Munich.
Tzimas presents an exciting alternative. The young striker has netted eight goals in 14 matches this season in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga, showing signs of an emerging talent.
Another week, another Stefanos Tzimas goal 🇬🇷
— Föx (@AleFoxxx) January 19, 2025
Big win for Nürnberg 🇩🇪 https://t.co/MxzQgNlEZA pic.twitter.com/g77QjRKMaJ
His playing style is aggressive, with strong dribbling ability and a hunger for goals. Football scout Jacek Kulig has even described him as a “monster in the making.”
Tzimas vs. Jackson: A Statistical Comparison
When comparing their performances, Tzimas outshines Jackson in several key attacking metrics:
Jackson has failed to score in several games.
Image credit: Fabrizio Romano
- Goals per 90 minutes: Tzimas (0.78) vs. Jackson (0.53)
- Shots per game: Tzimas (3.99) vs. Jackson (3.34)
- Successful take-ons per game: Tzimas (2.04) vs. Jackson (1.00)
- Progressive carries per game: Tzimas (3.11) vs. Jackson (2.23)
Although Jackson is competing at a higher level in the Premier League, Tzimas is nearly five years younger and already demonstrating impressive potential.
How Tzimas Could Fit Into Chelsea’s Attack
Chelsea’s midfield creator, Cole Palmer, has been one of the most effective playmakers in the league this season, crafting 18 big chances.
Adding a clinical finisher like Tzimas could further enhance Chelsea’s attacking prowess.
While Jackson is unlikely to be immediately displaced, Tzimas’ development suggests he could become an elite striker in the coming years.
With Chelsea looking to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level, securing a promising talent like Tzimas could be a crucial move for the club’s long-term success.