Chelsea ‘open talks’ with Mykhailo Mudryk’s friend whose record this season is better than Erling Haaland and Mo Salah

CHELSEA have reportedly opened talks over a transfer for Girona striker Artem Dovbyk.

The Ukrainian ace, who is close pals with Mykhailo Mudryk, has been banging in the goals for LaLiga’s surprise package this season.

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Chelsea are lining up a move for Girona striker Artem Dovbyk[/caption]

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The Ukrainian ace is good friends with Mykhailo Mudryk[/caption]

Girona are joint-top with Real Madrid after 15 wins in 19 games.

And Dovbyk’s 11 strikes, plus a further five assists, means he has a better goal contribution rate than Man City’s Erling Haaland and Liverpool’s Mo Salah.

LaLiga’s Player of the Month for December only cost Girona £6million when he joined from Dnipro last summer on the back of a 29-goal campaign.

But Dovbyk could be on the move this month as Chelsea line up a bid.

El Nacional claims Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino is a huge fan of the 26-year-old.

Nicolas Jackson has shown he can’t be relied on to provide a consistent clinical edge.

And Cobham product Armando Broja only has one league goal this term.

Chelsea have now opened talks with Girona over a deal for Dovbyk.

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But they will have to cough up big time, with the hitman already valued at £36m.

And should Dovbyk make the move to Stamford Bridge, Pochettino will be hoping he can deliver the goods needed up front.

The tactician is already without Jackson for the next month due to the African Cup of Nations.

And Christopher Nkunku, who only recently returned from a knee injury, is sidelined again after hurting his hip.

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