Chelsea have been linked with a move for AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek, as per reports.
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, via Daily Mail, Piatek’s agents have contacted the London outfit regarding a possible move for the Polish international, but a transfer could depend on Olivier Giroud moving to Inter Milan first.
From what it seems, Piatek is set to start an ‘off the field’ London derby. Both Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are monitoring the player.
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard has been vocal about adding fresh faces to the squad after a summer where they were not allowed to sign anyone due to a transfer ban.
Although the ban has been lifted, Chelsea have struggled to bring in players so far in the January transfer window.
Krzysztof Piatek: The forward Chelsea need?
Around a year ago, Piatek was a hot prospect in European football. The Pole couldn’t stop scoring for Genoa, and a move to a bigger club was touted.
AC Milan came out on top with their winning bid of £34million, and he settled in well with the Rossoneri, scoring nine goals after signing for them in January 2019.
Unfortunately, Piatek has not been able to keep the form of the second half of the 2018-19 season going, and has struggled for goals this term. Although it can be argued that Milan have struggled as a team in general, Piatek was expected to do a lot better than the four goals he has managed in the league so far.
The performances eventually forced Milan into re-signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and Piatek has subsequently found himself on to the substitutes’ bench for the past three games.
At Genoa, and Cracovia in the Polish league before that, Piatek was known for his finishing ability and composure in front of goal. The fans have not seen that this season, however.
The 24-year old’s passing hasn’t been that great this season either, so it’s highly unlikely he will fit in under Lampard’s system which demands his forwards to hold the ball and be fluent with their passing.
Finishing, though, is the biggest demand right now, as Chelsea have created chances but have failed to convert them adequately. Piatek’s finishing has deserted him, even though he was primarily known for putting chances away before his bad patch, so he would be a risk.
The Blues should instead look to sign someone who has been in good goal-scoring form.