With the transfer deadline day edging closer, Chelsea will hope to add a striker to ensure they finish in the top four in the second half of the season.
The Blues are free to sign players after their transfer ban was lifted, but have struggled to get deals done, much to the frustration of Frank Lampard.
The club have been linked with several strikers, and we take a look at who would be the most compatible player.
Edinson Cavani – Transfer likeliness: 4/10, Player Compatibility: 6.5/10
Cavani is obviously a big name in world football, and is likely to leave on deadline day or possibly on a free transfer come the summer.
The Blues have a bit of competition for the Uruguayan, and Atletico Madrid are also interested and are in negotiations with Cavani.
Although he is 32, he has shown that he can still get the job done, and would be a good addition to the team. However, will Chelsea pay Napoli’s asking price of €30 million (h/t Marca) to sign a player of his age? Unlikely.
Considering Chelsea are looking to build a team keeping in mind the long-term impact of the players, the deal sounds unlikely.
Krzysztof Piatek – Transfer likeliness: 4/10, Player Compatibility: 5/10
Another wantaway forward who has been linked with Chelsea (h/t Dailymail), and if the club steer clear of this one, it would serve them well.
A rage in the Serie A not so long ago, Piatek’s form has taken a big hit this season, and he has been replaced in the lineup by a 38-year old Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
With the Euros on the horizon, Piatek is looking for first-team football, but he isn’t in scoring form (with just four goals in the Serie A this season), which is a problem.
Considering Chelsea’s problems, they need to sign someone who would hit the ground running and solve their profligacy in front of goal, not compound it. A loan move might be less risky, but if it’s not solving any issue, it’s pointless.
Dries Mertens – Transfer likeliness: 6/10, Player Compatibility: 7.5/10
Mertens is one player who would excite any club’s fans, and he’s available on a cut-price deal as his contract expires in the summer.
The Blues will have to move in quickly as he is in high demand, and have already made contact with the Belgian (h/t Football.London).
Although Mertens in 32, he could be available for a meagre fee of £8million. He can play in multiple roles – a winger, or a centre-forward, and guarantees goals, which is what Chelsea need.
Having played in attacking system sunder Maurizio Sarri and Carlo Ancelotti, he won’t take long to acclimatise to life in the Premier League, and would be a smashing signing.