Bundesliga star striker addresses transfer rumours as Chelsea join the race

1 year ago 68

Chelsea have had a busy transfer window as they wrapped up quite a few signings before the Club World Cup in the United States. However, their pursuit of reinforcing their attack remains imperative this summer.

They have snapped up Liam Delap from Ipswich Town at a reasonable rate. But the Englishman is still not ready to lead the lines and be the primary striker for the Blues.

While they have been linked with Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike. A new name has emerged in the market. As per reports on German outlet BILD, Chelsea have started monitoring Stuttgart forward Nick Woltemade, who recently made his international debut for Germany.

Apart from Chelsea, clubs like Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid have also shown interest in the 23-year-old.

Currently featuring in the U-21 European Championships for Germany, Woltemade is someone who will provide versatility and physicality upfront for the Blues. He also fits their transfer policy of signing young and talented players.

He had a big influence on Stuttgart's DFB Pokal triumph this season and will only get better in the upcoming seasons.

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What did Woltemade say about the Chelsea rumours?

Standing at 6-foot-6, Woltemade is a towering presence, but his big frame doesn't make him slow. He is very smooth with the ball at his feet and can manoeuvre past defenders in tight spaces.

— SHAYEE 𒀭 (@tier_first) June 12, 2025

He netted 17 goals and provided three assists in 33 appearances across competitions last season. Five of his goals came in the Pokal, where he guided his team to glory. He scored a crucial goal in the final against Arminia.

However, he is currently playing for Germany in the U-21 Euros and scored a hat-trick against Slovenia in the opening fixture. After the match, he spoke to BILD about Chelsea's interest in him.

“I think that’s just part of it. It wouldn’t be good scouting if a club didn’t have me on their radar right now," he said.

“I’m not thinking about my future at the moment. I’m with the U21 national team now, I’m having a lot of fun, and I just scored three goals.”

Recently, Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth was full of praise for the lanky striker. “Nick’s quality and the Stuttgart environment clearly form an extremely strong bond - one whose power is far from exhausted.”

The 23-year-old's current contract runs until 2028, and with no release contract in place, Stuttgart have no compulsion to sell the young German this summer.