Chelsea should be keeping tabs on players to replace the German winger, but who would be the best option?
André Schurrle has been inconsistent since he arrived at Chelsea in 2013, and recently the quality of his performances have declined even further.
After starting the season rotating with Willian in Jose Mourinho’s side, in recent weeks the German has been definitively reduced to second choice by his Brazilian rival.
The problem started with his defensive work and the winger’s slack tracking-back lead to the Blues conceding goals against Swansea City and then Manchester City.
Now his attacking performances have declined too: he played 90 minutes against Shrewsbury Town last week and contributed very little and Mourinho’s patience clearly ran out after another ineffective half against Maribor on Wednesday.
Schurrle was hauled off at half time, and it may be a while before we see the World Cup Winner again.
If Chelsea do look to replace the winger, these are the players they are likely to be targeting.
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5) Andre Ayew – Marseille
The Ghanaian winger is big, strong and contributes defensively – traits which Mourinho loves in attacking players.
He’s an integral part of Marcelo Bielsa’s Marseille side, who are flying in Ligue 1.
Even better, he’s out of contract in the summer. Chelsea should take a punt on Ayew for very little on January, or pick him up for free at the end of the season.
4) Marco Reus – Borussia Dortmund
Marco Reus is one of the hottest prospects in Europe at the moment, with Bayern Munich, Liverpool and Arsenal all allegedly chasing the Borussia Dortmund attacker.
The German star has the same flexibility that Schurrle has, able to play on either wing or even up front. To top it all off, he has a very tempting €25m release clause.
3) Son Heung-Min – Bayer Leverkusen
The South Korean international scored twice in Wednesday’s Champions League game against Zenit St Petersburg and his value continues to increase with every passing week.
His lightning speed and two footed finishing make him the perfect Schurrle replacement for the Blues. The 22-year-old won’t come cheap, but Chelsea would be making a very wise investment.
2) Juan Cuadrado – Fiorentina
The Fiorentina winger was linked with clubs including Manchester United this summer, but stayed put in Italy. He has speed, great crossing technique and a good work ethic.
The Colombian winger signed a new contract last month, but one which is believed to have a release clause built in.
1) Ross Barkley – Everton
With Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole gone and John Terry coming to the end of his career, Chelsea are in real danger of having Gary Cahill as their only English starter.
Barkley’s addition would provide much needed “homegrown” talent for the various quotas the Blues need to fill. The youngster has shown his Premier League quality at Everton and could play as a number ten when needed.