Chelsea managed to beat Brighton 2-1 at the weekend despite starting the game without a striker.

With Alvaro Morata ruled out with a knee injury, Maurizio Sarri opted to leave Olivier Giroud on the bench for the trip to the Seagulls. The Spaniard’s absence wasn’t missed with Pedro opening the scoring after just 17 minutes following a wonderful pass from Eden Hazard. The Belgian then turned scorer, outpacing the Brighton defenders before beating Matt Ryan. A late goal from Solly March proved to be little than a consolation.

Despite Hazard controlling the game in the first half, the Belgium international’s influence waned as the game proceeded. Brighton ended the match as the stronger of the two sides and Hazard limped off in the 83^rd. With the January transfer window approaching, the Blues would be wise to target a new forward.

The perfect addition to the squad would be Celta Vigo superstar – Maximiliano Gomez. Valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, the Uruguay international has developed into a crucial player since joining the club from Defensor in the summer of 2017. The forward ended his first season at the club with an incredible 17 league goals as well as registering four assists for his team-mates.

Eager to prove he is a not a one-season wonder, Gomez started the new campaign in similar form. The 22-year-old has already found the back of the net on eight occasions as well as providing four assists. In a squad of Chelsea’s quality alongside the likes of Hazard and Willian, the Uruguay international could take his game to the next level.

As well as being an excellent finisher, Gomez is the perfect target man for Sarri’s 4-3-3 system. Still only 22-years-old, the forward is still improving and developing with every game. His best years are ahead of him, and it won’t be long before Europe’s top clubs come calling for his signature.

Luring him to England in January would be an astute piece of business.

Chelsea fans, thoughts?