Chelsea are in for a massive overhaul next summer when their transfer ban comes to an end. The Blues currently lack balance in their squad. And though they have gotten lucky with the emergence of Tammy Abraham, the lack of a reliable back-up could potentially haunt them.
Olivier Giroud is currently the secondary forward for Chelsea. But, the Frenchman has struggled under Frank Lampard. And in this article, we will talk about three players the club could target as a potential replacement for the ex-Arsenal forward next summer.
Teemu Pukki
Teemu Pukki has become the darling of the Premier League after an incredible start to the campaign that saw the forward earning rave reviews from all across Europe. The Finnish forward currently has six goals to his name while he has also netted frequent goals for his country in the Euro 2020 qualifiers.
Pukki would be an excellent alternative for Abraham as he is not only a lethal finisher but is also an energetic forward. His impressive work-rate and willingness to close down opponents makes him an ideal fit for Lampard’s tactical setup.
However, Chelsea could face significant competition for Pukki next summer, though a lot will depend on whether or not he manages to maintain his scoring form throughout the rest of the campaign.
Callum Wilson
Callum Wilson was always regarded as one of the top strikers in England. The Bournemouth forward notably netted 14 goals last season, helping the Cherries finish the campaign as one of the highest-scoring sides in the league.
And the English international has upped his game to a whole new level this season, having already found the back of the net five times. What makes Wilson such an appealing target for Chelsea is his ability to create chances.
While the 27-year-old is an excellent finisher, he is also capable 0f creating spaces for his teammates by making intelligent runs in and around the final third. He notably registered ten assists last season, which is quite impressive for a centre forward. He is also the only English player on this list – giving him the upper hand as far as potential replacements for Giroud are concerned.
Shon Weissman
By all means, a move for Shon Weissman will be a risky one for Chelsea at least compared to both Wilson and Pukki. But, the Israeli forward has shown immense promise in his first season in Austria, having already netted 11 goals in nine Bundesliga matches.
The 23-year-old is known for his pace and quick movements, But most of all, he rarely misses any scoring opportunity, which should be useful when Chelsea play in Europe.
Besides, Weissman is arguably less expensive than the other two strikers on this list. And therefore, Lampard should consider making a move for him next summer.