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 their star striker Alvaro Morata hitting a fatigue wall. Despite this, no one has really stepped up to the plate in his absence.

Morata has never really recovered from making an early comeback from injury 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 Blues boss Antonio Conte.

In order to avoid another striker crisis, our regulars think it’s about time they move Batshuayi on and bring in a more reliable back up man to the Spaniard.

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

Christian Beneteke

The Crystal Palace forward would provide some much-needed strength and a different style of options if Antonio Conte was to use him right. The Belgian forward has Premier League experience following recent stints at Liverpool and Aston Villa, despite his current Palace form.

He comes with a history of goal-getting, although not consistent, as we’ve seen this season. However, with the right players around him supplying him with the service he needs, 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, breaking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s record of substitute goals. He’s in a similar mould to Benteke with his presence in the box and aerial ability, which again would add a different option for Conte.

He has made no secret of his desire for regular first-team football, and is surely open to a potential move away from the Emirates stadium. If Giroud wanted to be in contention for the French World Cup squad, he has to start playing regularly and a controversial move across town could do just that.

Richmond Boakye

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

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