Chelsea Target Summer Move for Free-Scoring Striker - Report

Chelsea are preparing a move to sign Vitesse Arnhem striker Wilfried Bony this summer, according to the Sun. The 24-year-old has been in prolific form for the Dutch side and is currently the top scorer in Eredivisie with 26 goals this season.

The report suggests the Ivory Coast international was close to seal a move to join West Ham United after David Sullivan met one of the player's agents on Monday. But the European champions have now set their eyes on bringing the free-scoring striker to Stamford Bridge as a replacement for the Blues flop Fernando Torres.

The Dutch club's owner Merab Jordania and Vitesse managing director Erwin Kasakowski were at the Bridge during Brazil's tie against Russia this midweek. The Sun claims Chelsea's Russian owner Roman Abramovich is believed to have close links with Jordania and have already discussed of possibility of the Blues signing Bony this summer.

Vitesse are likely to lose the striker at the end of the season as the player has admitted that he is considering a move away from the Dutch club. In addition to this, Bony now has made no secret desire to play in a bigger league and admitted that he wants to feature in the Premier League, if there is an opportunity.

"I love the Premier League and want to play here if there is an opportunity. I am an ambitious player, I am enjoying my football in the Netherlands but I expect to move to a bigger league if I am doing well, I can't change that. But now I am happy we won a game for Ivory Coast after missing an opportunity in South Africa to win the Nations Cup," Sky Sports quoted Bony as saying.

The Blues currently have the ex-Atletico and Liverpool striker, who has failed to fire since his £50m move from Anfield. Chelsea have already lost England international Daniel Sturridge in January, but has found a replacement as the Blues signed Demba Ba during the winter transfer window.

The west London club are looking to bolster their attacking lineup this summer and the addition of Bony is likely to strengthen their squad. However, any move from Chelsea to sign Bony will not be an easy task as Liverpool, along with West Ham are also interested in his services.