Among all the top sides in the Premier League seeking late reinforcements in the transfer window over the last few hours, Chelsea look most likely to get big signings. Although it is difficult to say if they could land a major name in such a short time, a striker is well in their plans with recent reports claiming that the Blues have yet again reignited their interest in old target Fernando Llorente.
After deciding to exile Diego Costa, Antonio Conte brought in Alvaro Morata this summer. However, that hasn’t solved the problem that the Italian was facing last season. Chelsea are still in need of a back-up with their Belgian forward Michy Batshuayi struggling with his form in the Premier League.
Llorente has the reputation of being one of the most clinical strikers in Europe and has previously worked with Antonio Conte during their time in Juventus. And more importantly, the Spaniard fits Conte’s necessity in the role of centre forward. Although Morata is one of the best young players in that role he has looked vulnerable to the physicality of the Premier League and could take time to settle instantly.
It is exactly now that a seasoned striker like Llorente could come in handy. If compared to young Batshuayi though, the Belgian edges out as a far more effective forward than Llorente given his age and vibrancy in the attacking third, but Conte’s utilization would work more effectively with Llorente with his shot accuracy and a good sense of link-up play.
According to reports, the London club have already held positive discussions with the South Wales club with Chelsea confident that the transfer could go through after initial negotiations. After losing Gylfi Sigurdsson to Everton, Swansea City wouldn’t want to lose Llorente just now. However, with reports claiming that Wilfried Bony is on his way to Liberty Stadium from Manchester City, Paul Clement just might let the 32-year-old leave.
Chelsea had earlier tabled a bid of over £30 million for Llorente, but with the player willing to move to Chelsea as his next destination, Swansea might see the price reduce by half. Despite starting the season poorly and Swansea barely escaping the relegation, Llorente had scored 15 League goals last season. And with the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard, Willian and Marcos Alonso as providers behind him, he could see a late surge in his career.
Although Batshuayi has been adamant about staying at Stamford Bridge and competing for his chances in the first team, the arrival of Llorente could see him change his mind.
