Chelsea are after a top Champions League striker who Zlatan Ibrahimovic really admires.
Chelsea are interested in a young striker who made history as the youngest Italian to play in the Champions League. The Blues have built a strong reputation for signing some of the best young players since BlueCo bought the club in 2022. This focus on youth continued in the 2026 summer transfer window, when six of the players Xabi Alonso brought in were 23 or younger. It looks like Alonso is keen to keep building a team with the future in mind.
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are impressed by AC Milan striker Francesco Camarda. He has drawn attention from top clubs like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Manchester United, but chose to stay with Milan. Camarda is seen as one of Europe’s most exciting young strikers, already making history in two big competitions despite being just 18. He became the youngest player ever in Serie A when he debuted at 15 years and 260 days, and then the youngest Italian to play in the Champions League at 16 years and 226 days.
Camarda signed a long-term deal with Milan in 2024 and spent last season on loan at Lecce. Although Lecce had an option to buy him, Milan used a buy-back clause to bring him back. The young star also made his senior Italy debut last year, playing in wins against Luxembourg and Greece.
Camarda’s quick rise has grabbed headlines, but it hasn’t been all smooth sailing. TEAMtalk reports he hasn’t played as much first-team football as he hoped this season, with just eight minutes in Serie A. Milan still support him and aren’t looking to sell, but BlueCo might test their commitment since they’re watching closely.
So far, Camarda has appeared 18 times for AC Milan’s first team, and with his talent, he’s eager to add more. He’s scored four goals in as many games for Italy’s under-21s and has caught the eye of big names in football, including legendary Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Ibrahimovic, who scored 93 goals in 163 games for Milan, said in July 2024 that Camarda is “more talented” than he was at the same age. “He’s the future of Milan,” Ibrahimovic said. “He’s still young and hungry to improve. We need to protect him and help him grow step by step.”
If Camarda reaches even close to Ibrahimovic’s level, he’ll have a truly amazing career ahead. Ibrahimovic himself is now an advisor for AC Milan’s board, watching the young striker’s progress with interest.