What Chelsea fans need to know about potential signing Paulinho

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Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign Atletico Mineiro forward Paulinho, HITC Football understands.

A new short-term striker is being targeted by Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea as they languish in mid-table in the Premier League and need a new goalscorer to lead the line.

Christopher Nkunku has suffered a whole host of injury problems since he moved to Stamford Bridge this summer from RB Leipzig and Nicolas Jackson has failed to convince some at the London club, despite his seven goals in England’s top division.

One forward who has been offered to Chelsea is Atletico Mineiro forward Paulinho but it is unclear if the Blues would make a move for the Brazilian but just who is the 23-year-old striker.

Who is Paulinho

Having come through at Brazilian side Vasco De Gama, the 23-year-old earned a move to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen back in 2018 where he remained for five years.

Back in December of 2022, the Brazilian forward moved to Brazilian side Mineiro on loan and has scored 17 goals in 25 games for the South American side.

In the summer just passed, the Brazilian joined Mineiro on a free transfer following five years at the German side and now could be back in Europe if the London club decides to take a risk and sign the 23-year-old.

Paulinho fact-file

• Age: 23
• Date of birth: 20/04/2003
• Position: striker
• Club: Atletico Mineiro
• Former clubs: Vasco De Gama, Bayer Leverkusen
• Nationality: Brazilian

Chelsea’s need for a striker

There are other options that Chelsea have been offered this month but Paulinho represents an interesting alternative. He is young enough that the Blues could potentially sell him on for a decent amount if he fails to live up to his previous goalscoring exploits too.

Whatever happens with this January transfer window, the Blues will need a new striker, whether it’s a short-term deal or a longer-term signing.

Victor Osimhen is understood to be the club’s preferred choice but the Nigerian’s new contract and the £100 million fee it would potentially cost means the Blues will have to wait until the summer.