Chelsea are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke and are considering a loan move for the Belgian international. According to recent reports in the English press, the Blues manager Antonio Conte is in dire need of a Premier League proven target man in this January transfer window and is thinking about making a temporary move for the big Belgian to help them in their quest to earn a top 4 finish at the end of the season. Alvaro Morata has struggled to find consistency this term while Michy Batshuayi is not fancied by Conte, which makes the need for a striker a top priority for the West London outfit this month.
It is believed that Chelsea is hoping to secure Benteke’s signature on a temporary basis for the remainder of the season while the Eagles are only willing to let the striker leave on a permanent transfer. The Blues are only interested in a loan deal as they expect Conte to leave the club in the summer. So Benteke would serve as a temporary fix before they splash the cash on a new striker in the summer transfer window.
With the Belgian forward’s future uncertain at Selhurst Park, let’s take a look three potential replacements for the Eagles to consider.
Manolo Gabbiadini
The 26-year-old Southampton centre-forward could be a temporary solution for the Eagles. He has already featured in 22 matches for the Saints this season and has scored 3 goals so far in all competitions. His record at the St. Mary’s Stadium is not that impressive but with better delivery from wide areas at Palace, he will definitely thrive and be a constant danger inside the opposition box. The Italian forward will enjoy playing regularly in Roy Hodgson’s first-team which makes him an ideal option for Palace to consider.
Kevin Volland
The 25-year-old Bayer 04 Leverkusen frontman has all the qualities that are required of a modern-day centre-forward. He holds up the ball well and is a threat aerially while having a knack for scoring goals in the opposition box. The German international has made 19 appearances for the Bundesliga club this season, scoring 10 goals while also making three assists in all competitions. He is exactly the type of player Crystal Palace need right now in their bid to secure a top half finish this season.
Bas Dost
The 28-year-old Dutch forward has a wealth of experience playing in the Eredivisie and the Bundesliga. He is currently plying his trade in Portugal playing for Sporting CP and has been in sensational form this season. The former Vfl Wolfsburg striker has scored 24 goals and 3 assists in 31 appearances for his club in all competitions. He will definitely give Roy Hodgson’s squad a major boost going into the second half of the season if the Eagles decide to opt for his services in this January transfer window.
