Time moves fast in the summer market—and Chelsea know it.
Barely weeks after landing England U21 forward Liam Delap, the Blues have already made their next move, approaching Stuttgart’s 6ft 4in German striker Nick Woltemade over a potential transfer.
The 22-year-old has just come off a breakout season, scoring 17 goals and providing 2 assists across all competitions, including a strike in the DFB Pokal final that sealed European football for Die Schwaben.
Woltemade’s rise is remarkable. Signed on a free from Werder Bremen last year, he became one of the Bundesliga’s brightest sparks in a Stuttgart side that otherwise endured a frustrating campaign, finishing ninth.
His physical presence, aerial dominance, and hat-trick for Germany U21 on Friday have only amplified his stock.
Chelsea’s approach reportedly came before the U21 Euros kicked off in Slovakia. The club made it clear they were watching closely, weighing up his current contract—which runs until 2028—while monitoring Stuttgart’s stance.
For now, the Germans are digging in, intent on offering the striker a pay rise to fend off interest. But in football, allure matters.
The Premier League’s global spotlight, combined with Chelsea’s Champions League qualification, offers a stage few young talents can resist.
Woltemade’s valuation—around £25m—makes him a far cheaper alternative to Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, whose price has already cooled the Blues’ interest.
If the forward turns down Stuttgart’s extension, the story could shift quickly.
In a market where opportunities vanish overnight, Chelsea may be hoping that the clock—and ambition—are on their side.