Jose Mourinho could turn to the transfer market to solve his current striker crisis…
If there is one fault that can be picked from this season’s Chelsea team – which has made a stunning start to both their Premier League and Champions League campaigns – it is the fragility of their strike force.
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Spanish star Diego Costa has proved a smash hit in England so far this year, but he has now missed the last two games with a recurring hamstring issue. His replacement, Loic Remy, limped off during the Blue’s European win over Maribor on Tuesday, and third choice striker Didier Drogba no longer has the legs to regularly play 90 minutes, at the age of 36.
With this in mind, it could be well worth Stamford Bridge boss Jose Mourinho spending a portion of his January transfer budget on another forward, or alternatively, looking more closely into what he already has at his disposal in terms of youth team players. Here are what we believe to be eight viable options:
8) Giuseppe Rossi (Fiorentina)
The 27-year-old Italian international has already tasted the Premier League with both Manchester United and Newcastle United, and would surely jump at the chance to come back and prove what he’s learned during over seven years away, playing in both Spain and Italy.
7) Patrick Bamford (Chelsea)
The 21-year-old England Under 21 international is currently on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough, having also had impressive spells with MK Dons and Derby County in recent years. He shone for Boro in the League Cup defeat against Liverpool, and could be recalled should the situation demand it.
6) Seydou Doumbia (CSKA Moscow)
The 26-year-old Ivorian showed off his abilities during Moscow’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City, scoring one and winning the penalty for the second. He has scored 60 in 86 league games for the Russian giants, having also netted 50 in 64 during a two year stint in Switzerland.
5) Dominic Solanke (Chelsea)
He may only be 17, but he has already shown great promise coming through both the Chelsea and England youth team ranks. He was handed his club debut on Tuesday during the Champions League victory over Maribor, and is likely to be back on the bench against Manchester United this coming weekend. He is perhaps too young however, to be handed too much responsibility.
4) Jackson Martínez (Porto)
The 28-year-old Colombian was one of the unsung heroes of his nation’s run to the World Cup quarter final last summer, as the likes of James Rodriguez grabbed the headlines. However, his goal-scoring record at club level is enviable to say the least. He has netted 51 in 64 league games for current club Porto, whom he now captains.
3) Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke)
The experienced Dutchman is available on the cheap, with his contract set to expire next summer, and could be an option on a short-term deal. Having already proved his ability in a number of major leagues across Europe, including Spain, Italy and Germany, he’d surely love the opportunity to do the same in the Premier League.
2) Emmanuel Emenike (Fenerbahce)
The 27-year-old Nigerian is a strong, quick and powerful centre forward who has all the attributes to make him an excellent addition to any Premier League outfit. A regular scorer in both Turkey and Russia over the years, perhaps it’s finally time for him to test his ability in one of Europe’s major leagues.
1) Sebastian Giovinco (Juventus)
The Italian has the advantage of being versatile, and is ability to play as an attacking midfielder and a winger, as well as a striker, means that he could provide cover for a number of positions at Stamford Bridge. He has grown frustrated with his bit-part role in Turin this season, and could be available for a respectable price.
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