Both Chelsea and Manchester United are targeting Sunderland forward Brian Brobbey as they look to strengthen their attacking options this summer transfer window.
Journalist Graeme Bailey has reported that the two Premier League giants are set to battle it out for the 24-year-old Dutch striker’s signature in the coming weeks.
Brobbey has caught the eye at the FIFA World Cup, scoring a brace in the Netherlands’ emphatic 5-1 victory over Sweden to announce himself on the biggest international stage.
His club form last season was modest by comparison, with the forward contributing just seven goals and one assist across all competitions for Sunderland in 2025/26.
Despite that return, his World Cup displays have clearly attracted attention from two of English football’s most historic clubs as they plan their summer recruitment strategies.
Transfermarkt values Brobbey at £25 million, though Sunderland are likely to demand more given he has a contract running until June 2029 at the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats themselves enjoyed a remarkable 2025/26 campaign, finishing seventh in the Premier League and securing UEFA Europa League football for the upcoming season.
That European qualification makes Sunderland a more attractive destination, which could complicate any move for a player who only joined the club around 12 months ago.
Chelsea’s interest appears complicated by their own situation, with the club absent from European competition next season and already possessing Joao Pedro as a first-choice striker alongside Liam Delap as backup.
Manchester United would seemingly hold a stronger hand in any pursuit, with Champions League football on offer and Joshua Zirkzee widely expected to depart Old Trafford before the window closes.
The inconsistency of Benjamin Sesko at United adds further intrigue, as the club may be looking for additional firepower to compete across multiple competitions next season.
It remains to be seen what role Brobbey would be offered and precisely what fee Sunderland would demand for a player who has proven himself both in the Premier League and on the World Cup stage.