According to a recent report by The Daily Mail, Premier League giants Chelsea are still going strong in the search for an extra striker this winter, after their £6m bid to Napoli for the services of Belgian international attacker Dries Mertens was rejected by the Serie A club.
It has been reported that they also retain hopes of landing Ligue 1 star Edinson Cavani, after the Uruguayan’s transfer to the Spanish capital to join Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid side has fallen apart over the past couple of days.
It has been suggested that the Blues would have to face massive implications if they’re unable to get a deal done, as it could impact all of the proposed departures currently being set up by Chelsea for World Cup winner Olivier Giroud. With Newcastle United, Tottenham and Lazio all interested in the Frenchman’s signature, it has been clarified that the Blues will have to offload Giroud to bring someone else into the first team.
Why Have Chelsea Struggled In Front Of Goal This Season?
The summer exit of Belgian superstar Eden Hazard was undoubtedly the biggest blow that this Chelsea team has had to face since Didier Drogba’s first move away from Stamford Bridge back in 2012. The effects have been devastating, and it’s safe to say that the likes of Pedro and Willian are not capable of replicating a similar level of conviction in front of goal. The Belgian used to take care of a big part of the goal contributions at Chelsea – something they’ve struggled to do this time because of the dependence on Tammy Abraham.
Hazard was a leader within the side and had the experience and talent to step up when his team needed him. A player like that is one of a kind and expecting younger stars like the aforementioned Abraham and Mason Mount to perform with the same level of consistency is pushing it. Also, the lack of quality in the final third being displayed by the Blues’ backup striking options Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi surely wouldn’t have filled the gaffer’s heart with a lot of confidence either.
Why Signing Cavani Must Become Their #1 Priority On Deadline Day?
The Uruguayan’s desire to find more playing time has been no secret and the fact that he has featured just nine times in Ligue 1 this season further highlights that point. Also, the 32-year-old would tick off a lot of Lampard’s boxes as well, considering that the Chelsea manager is in search of a striker who can come in and immediately start pitching in with contributions in the opposition’s final third.
The former Napoli man has had quite a stellar goalscoring record over the years and has undeniably been one of the continent’s best strikers for a while now. Chelsea have been on the lookout for good attacking options, and it’s no surprise that an experienced head like Cavani has caught Lampard’s eye. The Blues even have the worry of Champions League football coming up next month, further emphasising the need for a striker of Cavani’s pedigree and class at Stamford Bridge this winter.
