Chelsea’s recent struggles in front of goal have been a glaring issue for Mauricio Pochettino’s side. Despite investing a staggering £1billion on players since Todd Boehly’s takeover, the Blues find themselves in a precarious position, with a dire need for a prolific striker.
According to the Daily Mail, “Chelsea could turn their attention to Karim Benzema and Roberto Firmino, as they look to address their lack of firepower in January.”
Short-Term Solutions: Benzema and Firmino?
With an underwhelming return of 35 goals in 21 Premier League games, Chelsea’s current options upfront have not delivered as expected.
Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, despite their potential, have not provided the needed impact, through lack of performance or injury. This has led to Chelsea considering Benzema and Firmino as short-term loan options.
The Daily Mail adds, “Despite investing over £1billion on players since Todd Boehly took over two years ago, the Blues are prepared to spend again this month with a striker top of their wish list.”
Future Prospects: Osimhen and Toney
While the Blues have shown a strong interest in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, his £103million release clause and participation in the Africa Cup of Nations make a summer move more feasible. Similarly, Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who is also attracting Arsenal’s interest, is likely to stay with his current club until the end of the season.
Compliance and Constraints
Chelsea’s need to adhere to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules adds another layer of complexity to their transfer strategy. This constraint might necessitate a more economical approach, such as seeking loan deals in the January window.
A Delicate Balancing Act
As the Blues navigate through this challenging period, it’s clear that the decision on who to bring in as a striker will be pivotal. Pochettino’s recent comments suggest a cautious approach to the transfer market. However, with the team’s evident need for a goal-scoring boost, Chelsea’s moves in this transfer window will be closely scrutinised.
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