Chelsea are enduring a horror start to the Premier League season, seemingly handing the title over to one of their domestic rivals already.
Yesterday’s win over Aston Villa was only the Blues third in the league this season, meaning they still sit in the bottom half of the table with 11 points from the opening nine matches.
Part of their issues are down to Diego Costa’s failure to replicate his sensational form from this stage last season, whilst Loic Remy has struggled to impress and loanee Radamel Falcao continues to be a shadow of his former self.
It’s likely Jose Mourinho, or whoever is in charge in January, will splash the cash and bring a new forward into West London; either as a direct replacement or supporting player for Costa, who continues to be a controversial striker.
The following five players would be ideal recruits and would save the Blue season, perhaps even putting them in the title race once again.
Hit Diego Costa below to see FIVE strikers Chelsea should target in January.
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Paco Alcacer
The 22-year-old Spaniard has impressed in La Liga with hometown club Valencia, becoming one of the most highly-regarded young strikers in European football and he’s certain to continue excelling as the years go by.
Chelsea were linked to his signature in the summer, before he penned a new five-year deal, but the rumours of a move to Stamford Bridge have surfaced again this week- suggesting the Blues could match his whopping £50m buy-out clause.
That would put vast pressure upon the shoulders of the young Spaniard, who is hopeful to make Vicente Del Bosque’s team for next summer’s European Championship, but it’s difficult to argue that it wouldn’t be money well spent.
Edinson Cavani
Throughout his time at Paris Saint-Germain, Edinson Cavani hasn’t been regarded as highly as star-man Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Whilst the Swedish superstar is a legend in the French capital, Cavani has been a bit-part player.
However that’s not down to his performances, as eight goals already this season show. The Uruguayan is unfortunate to have to contend with such a high-calibre striker and he’s been linked with an exit throughout the past few transfer windows.
January could be his time to move and whilst a number of cubs are sure to be keen, PSG will demand a high-price for his services; one that only Chelsea may be prepared to pay.
Antoine Griezmann
Another reported summer target for Jose Mourinho’s side was Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, a player who has excelled in the past few years with France and former side Real Sociedad.
His stock has risen, and Chelsea now face reported interest from Arsenal but Chelsea have the funds to beat any side in European football to the Frenchman’s signature. Persuading Atletico to sell may be tricky but the Blues have a long-standing relationship with the Spanish side.
Diego Simeone has also been linked as a potential replacement for Mourinho, which could aid the Blues chances of sealing Griezmann’s signature.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Not many in European football have been as prolific as Borussia Dortmund’s Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who set a Bundesliga record by scoring in the first eight fixtures of the new league campaign.
Naturally this has seen the player’s stock rise significantly and with Dortmund without Champions League football this term, Aubameyang could be open to a move. Chelsea would have to pay a high-price but that’s standard in the modern market.
Gonzalo Higuain
Gonzalo Higuain has been linked with an exit from Napoli in every window since joining the Italian side in 2013 and whilst a reported long-term target for Arsenal, Chelsea could comfortably beat their London rivals to the Argentine’s signature.
Reportedly available for around £33m in January, with Higuain’s agent listening to offers from across Europe, this could be a match made in heaven for Chelsea- with both the Blues and Higuain having a lot to prove after media criticisms this term.
