Chelsea Transfer News: Latest Alexandre Lacazette and Pedro Rumours

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly eyeing Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette, as he looks to make telling additions to his squad after a poor start to the new Premier League season.

The defending champions have just one point from their opening two matches in the 2015-16 Premier League term, and it seems likely that the Blues will make further additions to their threadbare squad before the end of the current transfer window.

According to James Dickenson of the Express, £21 million-rated Lacazette is one of several high-profile players Chelsea are now targeting as they look to add strength and depth to their squad.

As previously noted by Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe, Chelsea's current fitness-troubled strike trio of Diego Costa, Loic Remy and an out-of-form Radamel Falcao does not look strong enough, especially as the Blues will be looking to compete in the Champions League, as well as successfully defend their domestic title:

The addition of Lacazette would help resolve this issue, as the Frenchman is a natural goalscorer, proven by his 27-goal season in Ligue 1 last term, per WhoScored.com. 

However, it is highly unlikely that the 24-year-old is available for purchase, especially not for the lowly quoted price tag of £21 million.

Lacazette recently extended his contract at Lyon, tying him to the club until 2019, and his comments on confirming the new deal suggested he was not thinking about a move, per French football writer Robin Bairner:

It is likely then that Chelsea will have to look elsewhere if they want to strengthen their attacking unit, and the Stamford Bridge outfit are reportedly looking to hijack Manchester United's deal for Barcelona winger Pedro, per Matt Law of the Telegraph. 

The Red Devils have long been linked with a move for the 28-year-old Spaniard, but they are now stalling on meeting his £22 million release clause, per Pete Jenson of MailOnline.

According to Law, Chelsea may swoop in for Pedro if United don't close the deal soon, with the player wanting out of Catalonia having fallen behind Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez in the pecking order.

Indeed, Spanish football expert Guillem Balague recently reported that Chelsea's interest in Pedro is very much there:

Pedro's versatility, creativity and goalscoring ability would make him a huge asset at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues can certainly afford to meet his release clause.

However, United still seem to be in the driving seat to sign the World Cup winner, not least because they—unlike Chelsea—can offer him the first-team opportunities that he has been starved of recently at Barca.