According to Calciomercato, Chelsea are interested in the services of Krzysztof Piatek. But, it is believed that the AC Milan forward is valued at around €45 million by the Rossoneri. The Blues could also face competition in pursuit of Piatek, who is courted by FC Barcelona and Manchester United. In this article, however, we will discuss why Chelsea should drop their interest in the 24-year-old.
Piatek’s struggles at Milan
Piatek made quite a noise in Serie A last season, netting a total of 21 goals, in what was his maiden campaign in the Italian top flight. Eight of those came at Milan, a club he joined from Genoa at the start of this year, for a fee of €35 million. And although that seems like an excellent tally for a striker, Piatek, in fairness, has struggled during his ongoing spell at San Siro.
This season, in particular, the ex-Cracovia Krakow forward notably failed to integrate himself into the tactics of Marco Giampaolo, who replaced Gennaro Gattuso at the start of the season. As a result, he has struggled to maintain his scoring form, and it’s unlikely anything will change under new coach Stefano Pioli, who has notably benched Piatek in his first game in charge.
Speaking of which, new summer signing Rafael Leao has made quite an impression and provides Milan with an automatic replacement for Piatek, if he departs the club in January. Nonetheless, the Pole’s struggles in front of goal this season should be enough for Chelsea to drop their pursuit in the forward.
Do Chelsea even need a striker?
Despite the emergence of Tammy Abraham, whose eight goals this term have helped Chelsea get back on track, the Blues do need a forward next season.
Michy Batshuayi has struggled with game-time, and same can be said for Olivier Giroud, whose contract expires at the end of the season. That means Chelsea will be devoid of any reliable backup for Abraham next season, thus accentuating the need for a new number nine.
That being said, signing Piatek, who, for a fee of €45 million, is simply too expensive for a second choice forward. And though Chelsea can invest that much in the player, the third point should be enough to explain as to why they shouldn’t.
Chelsea need to strengthen other areas
Chelsea have been lucky with the breakout of Abraham this season. But, Lampard has other problems he needs to address if the Blues are to challenge for the title next season.
For example, the club desperately needs a new winger, despite the recent performances of Christian Pulisic. The departure of Eden Hazard has created a massive void in the wide attacking department – something ageing wingers like Willian and Pedro simply cannot fill.
Another area of concern is the defence. The departure of experienced heads like David Luiz and Gary Cahill means Chelsea must invest in a well-established centre-back next summer, who can complement the likes of Fikayo Tomori and Antonio Rudiger. Therefore, instead of unnecessarily splashing the cash on Piatek, the Premier League giants are better advised to sign a winger and a centre-back.
