Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted that he is in the market for a new striker, reports ESPN.
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With Didier Drogba leaving Stamford Bridge for the second time this summer when his contract runs out, the Blues are short of the three top quality forwards that the Portuguese wants at his disposal. Diego Costa and Loic Remy both have a history of injuries as well, with the former having a lot problems with his hamstrings over the last twelve months.
Mourinho said: “We have to buy a striker because we want to have three strikers of a good level. We do not want to have just one (transfer target). Then you lose a good position on the negotiation table.”
As such the London outfit are openly searching for a new player in the position. One who has been linked to a move is AS Monaco star Radamel Falcao, who struggled on loan at Manchester United last season. The 29-year-old scored a measly six goals in 32 appearances for the Red Devils during the temporary deal. However, Mourinho apparently still thinks he could do a job for his side.
Chelsea have also been linked to Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke by the Daily Star. The Belgian has a far better record in English football than Falcao, netting 16 times in 37 appearances for the Villains last season. In the last three seasons he has managed 49 goals in 101 matches for the Midlands outfit, showing this isn’t a one off as well.
The striker also has an ally at Stamford Bridge in international teammate Eden Hazard. The PFA Player of the Year backed Benteke to be a success if he signs for the Blues according to the Star.
He said: “If Christian signs with us, I would be the happiest man in the world. I have a great relationship with him and would like nothing better than to play with him.”
This support from who is possibly the best Chelsea player could be enough to sway Mourinho in to signing the former Genk man ahead of his counterpart with a larger reputation.