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Chelsea scouts keeping close tabs on Porto star

Originally posted on A Stamford Bridge Too Far
By Rohan Sengupta | Last updated Feb 14, 2025 4:25 PM ET

Chelsea sent scouts to watch FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa in action vs Sporting CP last week

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca confirmed on Thursday afternoon that Nicolas Jackson is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, with the striker set to miss six to eight weeks of action.

The Senegal international has had his critics during his time at Chelsea, but he has largely been Enzo Maresca’s primary striker this season. While he has shown signs of improvement under the Italian tactician, Jackson remains far from the prolific goalscorer that the Blues desperately require at the top end of the pitch.

Chelsea perhaps needs a new centre-forward who can supply goals consistently next season. This could lead to the West London club’s chiefs reviving their interest in a striker they missed out on signing last summer.

Now, according to an exclusive report from TBR Football, Chelsea recently sent scouts to watch FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa. The Premier League club’s officials watched the 20-year-old in action in FC Porto’s 1-1 draw with Sporting CP last week.

The Blues came close to landing Samu Aghehowa from Atletico Madrid for £34.5m, however, the deal collapsed at the very last minute due to complications and they ended up signing Joao Felix instead. The Spanish youth international later joined FC Porto, where he has been banging goals left, right and centre.

The 20-year-old marksman is making light work of the Liga NOS, scoring 18 goals already and supplying three assists in 27 appearances. He did not score but supplied a crucial assist for Porto’s late equaliser in the dramatic 1-1 stalemate with Sporting CP at home. The Blues’ officials at the Estadio do Dragao would have been impressed by the hulky striker’s contribution to the game.

The aforementioned report adds Chelsea remains a huge admirer of Aghehowa’s talents and will continue to monitor his performances at Porto. Given his output in the Portuguese first division, he remains a key target for Maresca’s side.

Having lost Jackson until at least April, it will be interesting to see how Maresca copes with his absence and uses the resources available while setting his team up. With Jackson injured, Maresca does not have a natural No.9 to lead the line, so he will perhaps have to rely on Christopher Nkunku as a false 9 for the next weeks and months.

This is where the acquisition of Aghehowa would make sense for the Blues. Strong as an Ox with great pace, power and engine, the Spanish striker would be a superb fit in Maresca’s system and provide Chelsea with a regular supply of goals. He can score goals of all kinds as evidenced at Porto this season while giving a different dimension to the Pensioners’ attack from next season.

At 20, the ex-Atletico Madrid striker also fits the profile of young talent with potential, something Chelsea have been investing in the last few years. All in all, it would likely take a substantial offer from Chelsea to persuade Porto to sell Aghehowa after just one season.

This article first appeared on A Stamford Bridge Too Far and was syndicated with permission.

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