Chelsea are in dire need of a new striker. The declining performance of Alvaro Morata in 2018 is one of the factors why Antonio Conte is seeking an alternative to support the Spaniard in the front line.
In the last six games, the former Juventus and Real Madrid man only produced 13 shots, or 2.1 shots per match on average, according to Whoscored.com. Only six of them were on target.
The handsome frontman has yet to find the net in the last six fixture, including in the Blues’4-0 victory over Brighton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (1/20).
Conte is considering some high-profile frontmen, such as AS Roma’s Edin Dzeko and veteran striker Peter Crouch after cancelling initial plans to land Andy Carroll from West Ham United because of the former Liverpool ace’s injury.
Arsenal legend Ray Parlour suggested that Chelsea should sign Arsenal’s Olivier Giroud should the 2016/2017 Premier League winners need a tall and sturdy forward. but the Frenchman’s potential involvement in a swap deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is making this harder.
Giroud has not been Arsene Wenger’s priority since the arrival of his fellow countryman Alexander Lacazette from Olympique Lyon. Despite that, the 31-year-old frontman has netted seven times in 25 matches (all competitions).
Chelsea are also reportedly getting closer to land Christian Benteke from Crystal Palace, according to Daily Mail. Still, Palace will not let the Belgian go unless the Blues sign the player on a permanent basis, not as a loanee.
The performance of Benteke is far from satisfying this season as he has only scored once in the last 17 matches. Chelsea prefer to loan him until the end of the season since Conte will reportedly leave Stamford Bridge after this season finishes due to the rift with the club’s management.
The most recent report from Sky Sports stated that Chelsea are nearing to land AS Roma’s duo Edin Dzeko and defender Emerson Palmieri. The West London outfit are reportedly willing to pay 50 million Euro plus 10 million pound bonus to sign both stars.
As a part of the deal, Chelsea are willing to let Michy Batshuayi go on loan to Serie A, despite the report that Borussia Dortmund are keen to sign the former Marseille player.
Dzeko, the former Manchester City ace, has scored 12 goals with I Lupi this season, including a brace in the Champions League’s six-goal drama against the Blues at Stamford Bridge that ended 3-3 in October. The Bosnian won the Golden Boot last season after scoring 29 goals in the Italian Serie A.
Both Chelsea and AS Roma have not released an official statement regarding the transfer yet. And fans are waiting whether a new frontman can make a difference with Conte’s squad.
