Chelsea Sets Sights On €87M Benfica Star Pavlidis As Striker Reinforcement For Maresca

Chelsea Football Club is actively working to reinforce their attacking lineup this summer, and reports suggest they have set their sights on Vangelis Pavlidis, Benfica’s €87 million-rated striker, to bolster new manager Enzo Maresca’s squad depth.

Why Chelsea Needs a New Striker

The Blues have struggled with inconsistency up front, especially with Nicolas Jackson failing to deliver consistent performances in his first two seasons. Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku, who joined from RB Leipzig, has not yet lived up to expectations due to injuries and limited impact on the pitch.

Chelsea’s current goal-scoring issues have forced the club to reevaluate their attacking options, with a clear intention to bring in a high-caliber centre-forward this transfer window.

Who Is Vangelis Pavlidis?

According to a report from Portuguese outlet Record, Pavlidis has caught Chelsea’s attention after an exceptional season at Benfica.

The 26-year-old Greek striker has impressed with:

24 goals in all competitions for Benfica
7 goals in the UEFA Champions League
A reputation as one of the top attacking players in the Portuguese Primeira Liga

Potential Transfer Battle

Chelsea isn’t the only European giant tracking Pavlidis. Newcastle United, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid have also expressed interest, setting the stage for a competitive transfer saga.

Given his release clause reportedly set around €87 million, Chelsea may need to act fast and decisively to secure his signature ahead of these other suitors.

What This Means for Chelsea’s Future

Should Chelsea land Pavlidis, it would mark a strong statement of intent from the club under Maresca, who is looking to rebuild a formidable squad capable of challenging for Premier League and European glory.

Pavlidis could offer direct competition for Jackson, pushing performance levels and bringing tactical flexibility to the frontline. His Champions League experience could also be crucial as Chelsea returns to European competition.

Final Thoughts: Chelsea’s Transfer Ambition is Clear

This move reflects Chelsea’s aggressive strategy in the transfer market and their clear intent to back Maresca with top-quality players. As fans await official confirmation, Pavlidis remains one of the most exciting striker options linked to Stamford Bridge this summer.