Chelsea are monitoring Watford striker Odion Ighalo.

The 26-year-old has scored 13 times in 23 appearances for the promoted Hornets this season and finished as the leading scorer for the 2015 calendar year with 30 goals.

The Blues are one of several clubs impressed by Nigeria international Ighalo’s performances during his first season in the Premier League.

Chelsea already have a number of strikers under consideration for a short-term move this month. But they are keen to see whether Ighalo could be a candidate for a summer switch.

The Watford frontman, whose goals shot the club into the Premier League last year, has shown a strength and composure in front of goal that has attracted a number of suitors.

He has already been the subject of interest from Spanish title challengers Atletico Madrid and Italian Champions League chasers Roma, and is being eyed by Arsenal.

Ighalo says he is in no rush to leave and the Hornets have ruled out a departure this month, but are well aware that they face a fresh fight to keep him at the end of the season.

Although he signed a new five-year deal in September, Ighalo admitted he could yet be open to a move to a top club. Earlier this month, he described a potential transfer to Manchester United as “a dream”.

Chelsea will revamp their attack in the summer.

It is believed Atletico will try to buy Diego Costa back following a troubled second season in English football, Loic Remy is expected to leave in search of regular first-team football and Radamel Falcao is set to return to Monaco when his season-long loan spell ends.

Source