Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern are having a bit of a mixed season up to now, after a flying start they seem to have hit a bit of a rocky patch which goes in hand with missing their star striker Alvaro Morata. Indeed, no one has really stepped up to the plate in his absence.

Morata is on the injury comeback trail and will be available soon as he’s match fit but their back up striker Michy Batshuayi has yet to prove why he should be one of the first names on the team sheet according to the landlord. Since his arrival, the Belgian has been a bit part player and not really set Stamford Bridge alight, much to the frustration of the Blues in our bar.

In order to avoid another striker crisis, our punters think it’s about time they move Batshuayi on and bring in a more reliable back up man to the Spaniard, having lost everyone’s favourite villain – Diego Costa – to Atletico Madrid.

If Chelsea are to challenge on all fronts for trophies, the lads in the smokers hut out the back say they need more than one striker to rely on. Batshuayi just doesn’t cut the mustard and, with the January window approaching, Conte will want to start drawing up this three-man hit list to give to the board on Jan 1st…

Christian Benteke

The Crystal Palace forward would provide some strength and a different style of play if Antonio Conte was to use him right. The Belgian forward has Premier League experience following stints at Liverpool and Aston Villa, despite Palace’s recent struggles. He comes with a history of goal

He comes with a history of goal getting, although not consistent. However, with the right players around him, he would be a perfect alternative and back up to Alvaro Morata.

Olivier Giroud

He’s made his name as a super sub of late, in a similar mould to Benteke with his presence in the box and aerial ability. Could the Frenchman really make a sensational move across London, to rivals Chelsea?

Well, he has made no bones about being open to a potential move away from the Emirates stadium and, if Giroud wanted to be in contention to win some trophies, he may settle as for the super sub role at Stamford Bridge.

Richmond Boakye

The Ghanian forward has already impressed Antonio Conte once before, enough for him to bring him to his then club Juventus. He was then sent out on loan and he’s since moved around a few clubs, but his last move to Red Star is where he’s found his lane. Showcasing his

Showcasing his goal-scoring knack in the Europa League has the majority of the European clubs paying attention, with Conte’s options thin on the ground and already knowing this player, this could be a good move.