The world of football was in for a massive shock when Radamel Falcao, arguably one of the world’s best strikers right now, ignored offers from clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City and signed for newly-promoted Ligue 1 side Monaco instead. Now it appears another Chelsea target, Edinson Cavani, has all but signed for Ligue 1 champions PSG.
I could go on about how neither seem to have any ambition and are only moving for the money, but it wouldn’t really solve any purpose. The fact is, Chelsea need a new striker before the new season starts and arguably the two best strikers in the world right now are unavailable. Let’s now take a look at Chelsea’s remaining options:
1) Mario Gomez – The German international is reportedly unhappy at what he perceives as a lack of playing time at Bayern Munich and is looking to move. Gomez has a knack of finding the back of the net on a fairly regular basis and would be available for half the price that Chelsea were willing to pay for Falcao and Cavani. Wages shouldn’t be a massive problem. Given that Chelsea have lacked a potent goal-scoring threat upfront for the best part of 2 seasons now, he wouldn’t be the worst option in the world.
2) Gonzalo Higuain – He’s been linked to Arsenal and Juventus already, and looked set to move to Arsenal but it seems Wenger is unwilling to meet Real’s price for the Argentine international. Real would be willing to listen to offers around £23M for Higuain and his wages wouldn’t be as high as Falcao’s. Like Gomez, he too can find the back of the net on a fairly regular basis and given Chelsea’s lack of potency in recent seasons, he would certainly be a decent signing if a deal was struck.
3) Leandro Damiao – Another striker who has the ability to score goals on a regular basis. The Brazilian international is currently being chased by Tottenham and Southampton, with the Spurs reportedly in pole position to sign him. Damiao isn’t exactly a high-profile option but he would come relatively cheap and would be able to link up well with Oscar, as he did during the London 2012 Olympics.
4) Wilfried Bony – The young Ivorian has had a stellar season for Vitesse Arnhem, scoring 37 goals in 36 appearances. He’s still raw but is physically well-built and can score goals regularly. Given Chelsea’s decent business relationship with Vitesse saw the club sign Marco Van Ginkel for a measly £8M, signing Bony on the cheap shouldn’t be an issue.
P.S: I haven’t mentioned Wayne Rooney or Robert Lewandowski for a reason. Rooney’s form has been questionable over the past few months and his wages are sky high so he wouldn’t be a viable option. Lewandowski has his heart set on a move to Bayern Munich and even if Bayern don’t sign him this year, they can most certainly snap him up on a free next year.
Who would you like to see Chelsea sign? Do let us know!
