Chelsea identify 'three-man transfer shortlist' including forgotten Arsenal star

Chelsea have reportedly drawn up a three-man transfer shortlist which includes one forgotten Arsenal star, as Mauricio Pochettino seeks to add another attacking player to his ranks.

The Blues have already spent nearly £350million on new recruits this summer and roughly £900m since the arrival of Todd Boehly in May 2022.

But the west London club aren't finished there and have identified a further three players who they are keen to bring to Stamford Bridge before the transfer deadline slams shut on Friday.

That's according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Maurico Pochettino's side are weighing up moves for Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe alongside Barcelona duo Ferran Torres and Raphinha.

Although interest is not said to be at an advanced stage, the report states that all three names are being discussed by Chelsea's hierarchy.

Smith Rowe endured an injury-stricken 2022-23 campaign and has struggled to reclaim his place in the side, with the England international yet to play a single minute for the Gunners this season.

The 23-year-old has been the subject of interest from Aston Villa earlier in the window, but Arteta recently insisted Smith Rowe remains firmly part of his plans moving forward.

Raphinha, meanwhile, has also lost his place in 16-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal in recent weeks and has been heavily rumoured with a move away from the Camp Nou, with both Arsenal and Newcastle previously expressing an interest.

Torres, on the other hand, has struggled to stamp his mark at Barcelona ever since he made the switch from Manchester City in December 2021, with Robert Lewandowski currently ahead of him in the pecking order.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also detailed Chelsea's interest in a 'mystery attacker', with the Blues said to be 'preparing negotiations' for an unnamed forward.

Fans have speculated whether the player in question could be Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho, with the 23-year-old linked with a move away from Old Trafford.

Topics: Chelsea, Emile Smith-Rowe, Arsenal, Todd Boehly, Football, Transfers, Premier League, Ferran Torres, Raphinha, Barcelona, Mauricio Pochettino

Joe Adams

Joe is a Journalist for SPORTbible with a primary focus on football. He has previously covered a number of other sports including boxing, rugby and F1. Wishes he was born left-footed.

@joeadamsjourno