Report: Chelsea ‘working on deal’ to sign 23-year-old forward | OneFootball

Chelsea set sights on Ligue 1 goalscorer as London move nears

Chelsea move early for Europe’s in-form striker

Chelsea’s recruitment operation continues to expand across Europe, and this time, their attention has turned to one of the most exciting forwards in Ligue 1. According to Fichajes, the club are preparing a summer move for Joaquín Panichelli, the Argentine striker who has exploded onto the scene with RC Strasbourg.

The 23-year-old has scored nine goals in ten Ligue 1 appearances, including a standout performance against Paris Saint-Germain that captured attention across the continent. His form has made him one of the most talked-about forwards in Europe, and his rapid adaptation to French football has reinforced the impression that he is ready for a step up.

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“Panichelli’s consistency, his maturity in front of goal, and his movement off the ball have impressed everyone at the club,” the report explains. Chelsea, through their ownership ties with Strasbourg, are thought to be in a favourable position to complete the deal.

Why Panichelli has caught Europe’s attention

At Strasbourg, Panichelli’s impact has been transformative. His combination of power, aerial strength and intelligent positioning has made him a nightmare for Ligue 1 defences. The Argentine’s 1.90m frame gives him a physical edge, but it is his reading of space and sharp finishing that have made him a standout.

A double against PSG earlier this season demonstrated his ability to perform in high-pressure moments. Strasbourg’s decision to invest in him last summer for a modest fee now looks like one of the bargains of the season. The connection between Strasbourg and Chelsea, under the same ownership structure, adds another layer of intrigue to this emerging transfer story.

“His style of play suits English football,” said one scout quoted by Fichajes. “He combines strength with intelligence. There’s a bit of Diego Costa in how he presses, and a touch of Giroud in his link-up play.”

Chelsea’s long-term vision and transfer advantage

For Chelsea, this potential signing fits perfectly with their broader recruitment strategy. The club’s new structure under multi-club ownership allows them to scout, sign and develop young players across Europe with greater ease. Panichelli, with a contract at Strasbourg until 2030, represents both a sporting and financial asset that could be integrated into the Premier League side’s long-term project.

While AC Milan and other European clubs have shown interest, Chelsea’s position gives them a strategic advantage. “The relationship between the clubs simplifies the operation,” Fichajes adds, noting that negotiations could accelerate before the summer window.

There is a belief inside Stamford Bridge that Panichelli could complement existing attacking options rather than replace them outright. His arrival would add depth, competition and, crucially, a goalscoring instinct that has often been lacking since the days of Diego Costa.

Potential impact and what lies ahead

Panichelli’s journey from Spain’s second tier to France’s top flight has been one of perseverance and rapid evolution. His 21 goals for CD Mirandés last season proved he could adapt to European football, but his transformation in France has been extraordinary.

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For Strasbourg, his performances represent both a sporting triumph and a financial windfall. For Chelsea, they represent a calculated risk with a potentially high reward. If his scoring touch continues, the move could be viewed as a turning point in their approach to building a sustainable, youthful core capable of competing across Europe.

As Fichajes concludes, “It is only a matter of time before Panichelli’s name becomes regular in football’s biggest headlines.”

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Chelsea fans, this report will feel like both a continuation and a refinement of the club’s current strategy. The excitement around Panichelli’s name reflects an ongoing commitment to youth-driven recruitment, yet many supporters will be cautious after recent transfer experiments.

The prospect of signing a prolific 23-year-old with a proven record in Ligue 1 is certainly enticing. Supporters recall how the club’s most successful forwards. from Didier Drogba to Diego Costa, were players who combined aggression, instinct and personality. Panichelli seems to have those same attributes, and his size and skillset could make him a natural fit for Premier League football.

However, Chelsea fans are also mindful of the need for balance. The optimism surrounding this link will depend on whether Panichelli’s move is part of a broader plan rather than another standalone signing.

For many, the connection with Strasbourg makes sense. It’s a controlled environment, a talent pipeline that could bring value and stability to Chelsea’s long-term ambitions. If Panichelli continues his form, he could be the next example of how the club’s multi-club model starts to bear fruit.