Chelsea are considering alternative options to Edinson Cavani as the Paris Saint-Germain striker moves closer to joining Atletico Madrid.

Cavani’s agent is in Madrid to finalise a deal as Chelsea look set to miss out on the 32-year-old Uruguay international, who handed in a transfer request at PSG this month.

Manager Frank Lampard made Cavani, 32, his first-choice target this month, but the Blues are aware that his preference appears to be Atletico.

Reports in Spain suggest that Atletico are preparing a fresh bid to meet PSG’s £12.6million asking price. Lampard is desperate to sign a striker to support Tammy Abraham and, while Chelsea have not given up hope of signing Cavani, they are now looking at alternatives.

Tottenham target Krzysztof Piatek is an option, but AC Milan are demanding £30m for the Poland striker.

Chelsea could be forced to consider a short-term move on loan.

The uncertainly around whether Chelsea can bring in a new striker is delaying Olivier Giroud’s potential exit from Stamford Bridge.

The 33-year-old has been in talks with Inter Milan, but Lampard does not want to let the France striker leave until a replacement has arrived.

Chelsea also have Michy Batshuayi, but the Belgium forward has had limited opportunities under Lampard and is yet to start a Premier League game this season.

Lampard’s need for a striker has been highlighted by the injury Abraham, who has scored 15 goals for the club this season, including 13 in the Premier League, suffered against Arsenal last week at Stamford Bridge.

Scans have shown Abraham has not fractured his ankle injury, but Lampard said last week he did not know how long his top scorer would be out.