Chelsea Made Move to Sign Nigerian Striker Before Transfer Deadline

• Chelsea made a last-minute approach for Nigerian striker, Taiwo Awoniyi
• The Blues needed a striker due to Christopher Nkunku's injury, which was sustained during pre-season
• The former Liverpool striker has been impressive for Nottingham Forest since the start of the 2023-24 season

Premier League side Chelsea made a last-minute move to sign Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi from Nottingham Forest this summer.

The Blues were one of the heavy spenders in the summer, signing the likes of Moises Caicedo from Brighton and Hove Albion, Romeo Lavia from Southampton, Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal, Robert Sanchez from Brighton, Christopher Nkunku, and others.

Despite signing so many players, Chelsea were still in need of a new striker a few days before the transfer window closed, due to Nkunku's injury, which was sustained during pre-season.

The France international underwent a knee surgery and was ruled out of action for four months.

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According to The Athletic, the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League winners asked Nottingham Forest about the signing of Awoniyi in the final 48 hours of the transfer window.

Awoniyi's performances for Nottingham Forest last season were the reason the Blues were interested in signing him this summer.

The former Liverpool forward was Forest's top scorer with 10 goals. If that's not enough, he began the new season with a bang, scoring against top sides like Arsenal and Manchester United.

Forest were in a position to keep the Nigerian striker, as they were due to lose Brennan Johnson to Premier League rivals Tottenham on transfer deadline day.

Chelsea later signed English youngster Cole Palmer from Premier League champions, Manchester City for €47 million.

Awoniyi nominated for August's POTM Award

Sports Brief earlier reported that Awoniyi has been nominated for August’s Premier League Player of the Month award.

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The former Liverpool striker's impressive performances for Nottingham Forest at the start of the 2023-24 Premier League season earned him a nomination for the award.

Awoniyi is up against Brentford star, Bryan Mbuemo; Brighton & Hove Albion forward, Kaoru Mitoma; West Ham winger, Jarrod Bowen; and Tottenham Hotspur playmaker, James Maddison for the award.