Chelsea are looking to strengthen their attacking department despite signing Christian Pulisic, and have been linked with a move for PSV attacker Hirving Lozano, it has been claimed by Italian outlet Calciomercato.
The PSV winger has been in top form for the past 12 months or so, a period that has seen him emerge as one of Europe’s most talented attackers.
But, is he a viable option for the Blues?
Hirving Lozano: Player profile
Lozano has become the darling of the Eredivisie, following his breakthrough last season as he was involved in 28 goals in just 29 league matches.
The Mexican international has continued his success this season, scoring 11 goals in 17 matches while providing seven assists, making him the second most influential attacker in the Dutch top flight.
As far as Lozano’s gameplay is concerned, the 23-year-old is a quick winger can drift past defenders using his quick feet and clever touches.
Despite being labelled as a winger, the Mexican loves to cut-inside and operate more centrally, from where he can use his craft and vision to create chances in the final third.
The 23-year-old has mustered 2.3 key passes per game this season while averaging 3.3 dribbles with an astonishing success rate of 66% – significantly better than Chelsea’s latest signing Pulisic.
However, it is Lozano’s offensive productivity which makes him a prolific attacker as he has been involved in 18 goals in just 17 matches this season.
Why do Chelsea need Lozano?
Following the capture of Pulisic, Chelsea going after another winger might seem impractical, to an extent, even though the American will only join the club next season.
But, Lozano is clearly an upgrade on the Dortmund star, who can not only add more youthful exuberance to the Chelsea attack but can also prove to be a potential long-term replacement for Eden Hazard.
Unlike Pulisic, Lozano has excellent productivity in the final third while his technical qualities combined with his raw pace make him tailor-made for Maurizio Sarri’s tactical philosophy.
Comparisons aside, both Pulisic and Lozano competing for a place in the first-team next season would truly to be a sensational sight for any Chelsea fan and considering how well Lozano has performed over the past year and a half, he’s definitely a worthy transfer target for the Blues.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored