Chelsea Transfer Guide – Strikers: 4 Hitmen Linked With Blues Move

They took their time, but Chelsea have finally constructed a sharp turnaround in form after a relatively slow start in Rafa Benitez’ managerial reign. Still, 7 wins from 8 games is not much to shout about if The Blues are a full 11 points off the pace at the top of the table. However, the January transfer window is now in progress, so can ‘The Champions of Europe’ purchase the right players and mount a fresh title challenge? Read on for a guide to the strikers that could instantly fit Chelsea’s current setup and help them battle it out with the Manchester clubs for the league title.

With Daniel Sturridge set for a move to the red half of merseyside (source: Mirror), and Belgian starlet Romelu Lukaku stating he would like to finish his time on loan at West Brom, Chelsea are left with 1 recognised senior striker… Fernando Torres. Even with the unlikely circumstances which would see the Spaniard hitting form and ending up scoring 25 goals this season, The Blues would still have no cover should Torres become injured.

This has clearly been recognised in the Chelsea camp which has reportedly lead Benitez to take a new interest in Newcastle United striker Demba Ba and Alvaro Negredo from Spanish club Sevilla.

On Sunday, Sky Sports sources reported that Demba Ba’s representatives had met with Chelsea’s, and that The Blues were in the driving seat to get the Senagal strikers signature, but on Monday it emerged the meeting held ended with a negative outcome. However this is probably not the end of talks between the two clubs, especially with Sky Sports claiming the player has a release clause in his contract of just £7million.

Double that, and you have the fee that Chelsea are said to be offering for Sevilla striker Alvaro Negredo, according to the Daily Mail. The Spaniard would surely fit in at a Chelsea that has an increasingly strong Spanish influence.

Talking of Spanish players, David Villa is apparently another option for Chelsea according to the Daily Mail. Sadly such a move seems unlikely as he would not replace Fernando Torres, and there is little room for him to fit into midfield with that position currently being fought after by Oscar, Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Victor Moses.

There has been much talk surrounding a possible move for long term Chelsea target Radamel Falcao, with the Mirror reporting that Chelsea are confident they will land the £40m-rated striker. Falcao would certainly fit Chelsea’s system, a player with the Columbians talent would boost any squad, but it seems such a move looks unlikely for a January purchase. Chelsea will probably have to wait until the summer if they’re to sign the prolific hitman.

In the formation currently used by Benitez, there is really only room for one out-and-out striker. If Fernando Torres continues his recent form, any new strikers may struggle to get playing time. As a result, Chelsea may want to look for cheap, reliable options to use as backups rather than expensive players who’ll be expecting regular first-team football.

Chelsea need a striker the most in this transfer window and if they choose the right one anything up to and including the Premier League crown is possible.

Who do you think Chelsea should sign this month? Get involved in the comments section below.