Real Madrid, AC Milan and PSG forwards all feature!
With Chelsea almost certain to target the acquisition of a world-class striker in the summer, CaughtOffside runs down ten potential forwards Jose Mourinho could target come the end of the season…
Mario Balotelli – AC Milan
Mourinho has hinted at a potential move for Balotelli, who he managed during his tenure at Inter Milan. The Italian striker is an inconsistent maverick, but undoubtedly has the ability to be one of the very best in the business if he can mature both on and off the field.
Edinson Cavani – PSG
Due to the sensational Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Cavani has had to content himself with a spot on the right for the Ligue 1 giants, when he’d be much happier playing centrally. He’d walk into the Chelsea side in the lone striker position though, and if the Blues are willing to stump up an astronomical transfer fee, they could tempt PSG to sell the Uruguayan sensation.
Radamel Falcao – Monaco
In February, Mourinho hinted that Falcao was too big for Monaco, and that he’d love to work with the Colombian hitman. The striker is currently injured, but is renowned for being one of the deadliest finishers in world football. Like Cavani though, his signing would cost an enormous fee.
Diego Costa – Atletico Madrid
Only Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez have scored more goals in Europe’s top league’s this season than Costa. The recently capped Spanish international is immensely strong, and is an excellent modern day target man. His work-rate similarly suits Mourinho, and Atletico have proved in the past they will sell star players if the money’s right.
Mario Mandzukic – Bayern Munich
With Bayern acquiring Robert Lewandowski in the summer, Chelsea could take advantage by signing their current Croatian spearhead. Mandzukic isn’t a household name for some reason, but he probably should be. He’s excellent in the air, and is a deadly finisher, too.
Guiseppe Rossi – Fiorentina
The Italian striker’s career has been plagued by injuries, but despite missing portions of this season, only Carlos Tevez has scored more Serie A goals than Rossi this term. Rossi is superbly talented, and Chelsea could undoubtedly tempt financially troubled Fiorentina into business should they wish to gamble on the forward.
Karim Benzema – Real Madrid
The more goals he scores at Real Madrid, the less likely this potential transfer becomes. Benzema was criticised by the Madrid faithful earlier in the season though, and Mourinho worked with the Frenchman when he was in charge at the Bernabeu. The truth is though, this deal will only happen if Real Madrid want it to.
Jackson Martinez – FC Porto
The second of three Colombians on this list, Martinez currently stars in the Portuguese league, where he was the top scorer last season. This term, he’s notched 16 in all competitions, and is as effective in the air as he is with the ball at his feet.
Romelu Lukaku – Chelsea (On loan at Everton)
It’s unlikely, but there’s a chance the Blues won’t sign a striker, and instead trust young Romelu Lukaku to lead the line next season. The prodigal Belgian has netted ten Premier League goals this term on loan at Everton, and believes he deserves the chance to prove himself at Stamford Bridge.
Adrian Ramos – Hertha Berlin
Arguably the least well known player on this list, the rangy Colombian is enjoying an excellent season in the Bundesliga. He can hold the ball up, and can drop deep and play intricate passes with midfielders, too. He’s scored 14 so far, and could provide an interesting alternative should Chelsea’s priority targets prove impossible.
