Chelsea’s search for a striker continues with the deal for Romelu Lukaku falling through. The Belgian striker chose a move to Manchester United in a development that has confounded pundits and fans alike. Chelsea have reportedly underestimated Mino Raiola’s influence on the player. Raiola, the 24-year-old’s agent has been crucial in helping the player make up his mind on a reunion with old boss Mourinho. The 49-year-old Italian agent shares a very good rapport with the United board, having delivered the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Mkhitaryan inter alia at Old Trafford.
In the wake of the development that is not likely to improve the mood of Antonio Conte, who had requested the Belgian forward be acquired at any cost, Chelsea continue to be linked with an array of forwards with the latest shock name being former Manchester United striker, Javier Hernandez.
The striker currently with German side Bayer Leverkusen has the distinction of holding one of the most prolific minutes-per-goal ratio in the Premier League. The striker fell out of favour with David Moyes and Louis Van Gaal and was shipped off to Real Madrid on a short loan spell before making a permanent move to Bayer Leverkusen.
The striker, popularly known as Chicharito, is an out and out poacher renowned for his finishing skills and being at the right place at the right time within the 18-yard box. Bayer Leverkusen’s top scorer last season returned impressive figures of 11 goals and 3 assists in 26 appearances. Leverkusen’s horrendous showing in a Bundesliga season that saw them finish 4 points clear of the drop zone, however, has paved the way for an exodus of sorts with the likes of Omer Toprak and Hakan Calhanoglu already leaving for Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan respectively.
The German side, although reluctant to let go of the Mexican, may have their hands tied if the player expresses a desire to move to England. At 29 years, this could be Hernandez’s last opportunity to give Premier League another shot. Heavily linked with an array of clubs, Mexico’s all-time leading goalscorer could pick it up where he left off in England.
The player has also been heavily linked with West Ham United, looking to bring in a striker since last season failing in their pursuit of a lot of big names and having to make do with Simone Zaza and Jonathan Calleri both of whom were less than satisfactory. He could turn out to be a perfect fit in the London side who would look to build their team around him.
The story breaking of a move to Chelsea might have to be taken with a pinch of salt, but valued at a throwaway price of £13m, coupled with a conversion rate of 23.6%, in the last 3 years, only bettered by Luis Suarez (in Europe’s top 5 Leagues), a deal for the striker may not be the worst idea at the moment for the Stamford Bridge side.
