According to reports on Wednesday, Chelsea are close to securing the transfer of Colombian hitman Radamel Falcao, but are they signing the right man?
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The AS Monaco striker spent last season on loan in the Premier League with Manchester United and did little to suggest that he could be the right man to lead the line in the top flight.
The former FC Porto and Atletico Madrid man managed only four goals in 26 appearances from the Red Devils and Louis van Gaal ultimately opted not to sign the forward permanently.
However, while United opted against the move, Chelsea have not been dissuaded by his poor goal return and are closing in on a move for the striker.
While only time will tell if Mourinho will be able to get the best out of the forward, it looks like a major gamble. In this feature, we present 10 forwards who we believe would be better bets than El Tigre.
Saido Berahino
It feels crazy to even suggest it, but is Saido Berahino a better prospect than Radamel Falcao right night?
The West Bromwich Albion man is younger, would likely be cheaper and, despite playing for the Baggies, managed 10 more goals than Falcao in the league last term.
Tony Pulis has admitted that the Throstles will let the forward leave to one of the top four, but only if they Black Country side receive the right offer [via the Independent].
Nicolas Gaitan
The Express reported in May that Chelsea were closing in on a deal for Nicolas Gaitan and were planning to offer Wallace in part-exchange for the Benfica man.
However, according to A Bola [via the Express], Manchester United have stolen a march on their rivals—will the Pensioners regret letting the Argentine star get away?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
Last summer, Chelsea were believed to be close to signing the Gabon hitman from Borussia Dortmund, having previously kept tabs on the player during his time at Saint-Etienne.
With Jurgen Klopp leaving BVB this summer, there have been rumours of an exodus from the club, with the likes of Mats Hummels, Ilkay Gundogan and Marco Reus all linked to the exit door.
If Aubameyang is keen to follow them, then Chelsea shouldn’t miss out on the opportunity to sign a forward who bagged 16 goals in 31 Bundesliga starts last term.
Christian Benteke
24-year-old Christian Benteke once again proved his class towards the season’s end, coming to life under Tim Sherwood and ending the campaign with 13 goals in 26 starts.
Of course, questions remain about his consistency and his long-term fitness, but the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have been linked to the Aston Villa man.
Might Mourinho see Benteke as an ideal long-term successor to Drogba?
Carlos Bacca
The late bloomer Carlos Bacca is another Colombian striker who is attracting interest from the Premier League this summer.
Manchester United and Liverpool are both believed to be keen on the forward, who recently won the Europa League with Sevilla.
While Falcao managed only four goals in the Premier League last term, Bacca bagged a whopping 28 in all competitions for the Rojiblancos.
Antoine Griezmann
As reported by ESPN, Jose Mourinho has confirmed that Antoine Griezmann is not a transfer target for Chelsea, but should he be?
The French international has been a sensation in La Liga this season, coming third in the division’s scoring charts after bagging 22 goals in 37 matches. He is only 24 and is versatile, able to play on either flank and up top.
Should Mourinho take another look at the Atletico Madrid star?
Gonzalo Higuain
With Diego Costa set to stay at Chelsea, the Blues are perhaps on the look out for a support striker rather than a bona fide leading man.
However, if Gonzalo Higuain is available, the Pensioners should definitely take a look,
According to the Metro, the Blues may well be in line to make a bid for the Napoli hitman, with the Metro reporting that Jose Mourinho is planning a £30 million bid for the player.
Paulo Dybala
The opportunity to sign Paulo Dybala has passed, with the forward choosing to move to Juventus for £23 million, rejecting the likes of AC Milan or Inter Milan, as per the Express.
Palermo president Maurizio Zamparini certainly thinks so, and has christened the Argentine player the ‘new Messi’.
Will Mourinho regret letting the 21-year-old slip through his fingers?
Raheem Sterling
Despite his considerable contract demands, the talented Raheem Sterling is set to have no shortage of admirers have his agent Aidy Ward confirmed that he would not be signing a new contract at Liverpool.
Talks have already broken down between the England international and Bayern Munich, although Chelsea may have to compete with Real Madrid for the 20-year-old—Rafael Benitez is reportedly an admirer.
Edinson Cavani
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi once argued that Edinson Cavani was the best striker in the world [via Goal]. This may be pushing it, but few can deny that the Uruguayan is a supremely talented operator.
Despite starting less than half of his 45 appearances in the Champions League and Ligue 1 this season in a central attacking position, Cavani still managed 24 goals over both competitions.
There is set to be considerable interest in the former Napoli and Palermo man this summer, with Manchester United and Liverpool both interested in the forward [via the Express], but Jose Mourinho may well have the last laugh as far as this superstar’s future is concerned.