Spurs and Chelsea in race to sign £70.5m Spanish attacker | OneFootball

Rising battle for Samu Aghehowa

London finds itself on a familiar stage again, the transfer glare trained firmly on a precocious centre forward lighting up Liga Portugal. Samu Aghehowa, 21, has accelerated from promising talent to headline striker at FC Porto, scoring 27 goals in his debut season and already tallying nine in 11 appearances this campaign. The noise surrounding him grows louder and Chelsea and Tottenham appear ready to contest another high stakes pursuit.

GOAL relayed reports from Portugal noting that Porto president Andre Villas Boas is willing to sanction a sale. The club icon and former Premier League manager believes there could be an opportunity for an “irresistible deal”. Porto hold a release clause worth €100m, however suggestions indicate a willingness to accept €80m. For a player contracted until 2029 and performing with elite efficiency, the valuation feels reflective of rising market norms for top tier European forwards.

Chelsea return to familiar ground

Chelsea were close to capturing Aghehowa in 2024. GOAL detail how the Blues “had even agreed to pay £35 million” before the move collapsed following a medical concern. That decision now looks expensive. One year and a fully recovered ankle later, the Spaniard has become one of Europe’s sharpest young finishers. The interest is understood to be revived as the club continue to craft the next phase of their attacking core.

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Sources cited by GOAL in Portugal describe the competition as fierce. Tottenham are monitoring the situation and both clubs are analysing the timing, particularly after heavy spending in the summer window. A figure close to €80m requires absolute conviction.

Porto’s stance and financial pressure

Porto believe internal depth can withstand Aghehowa’s departure, with GOAL quoting local reporting that the club feel “well covered in the striker position”. The January window will test their resolve. Financial realities in Portugal often dictate movement, and with Villas Boas open to negotiation, this could prove the moment.

Aghehowa’s decision making remains key. Last summer he rejected Premier League interest from Newcastle and Aston Villa, a stance driven by ambition to thrive in Porto colours. GOAL shared that the player “was fully committed to Porto’s campaign”. Loyalty has been rewarded, although a renewed opportunity to move to England carries its own weight.

Our View, EPL Index Analysis

The thought of Chelsea going after Samu Aghehowa again triggers that familiar mix of excitement and nerves. On one hand, you look at the numbers 27 goals last season, nine already this year and wonder whether this is the breakout striker the club have been craving. A forward who thrives in tight spaces, presses aggressively and plays with conviction feels tailor made for the club’s project. The ankle scare from 2024 now feels like distant history, and at 21, this is a footballer with years of growth ahead.

Yet Chelsea fans have seen this movie before. Heavy spending on potential rather than bankable Premier League output carries risk. There is curiosity about whether this recruitment group would push so heavily again following the summer rebuild. Tottenham sniffing around only heightens intrigue. Spurs have become bolder under a refreshed identity and watching them snap up another young star would sting.

Eight, nine, even ten figure fees are no longer shocking, but €80m remains eye watering. Chelsea supporters might view this as a long term investment and a strategic moment to pounce. If the club see him as the missing link up front, fans will expect decisive action. But there will also be calls to remain measured, to ensure this time the club land not just talent, but the right fit for a winning spine.