Will Conte Move To Sign Star Striker?

Will Conte Move To Sign Star Striker?

Conte has his work cut out for him as soon as he comes back from France. Unfortunately for the Blues, the Italian manager will not be available to start negotiations until late June at best given the fact that he will still be in charge of Italy’s national team. Because of this Chelsea will probably delay their first couple of transfers. New players will arrive for sure especially after the attack is close to becoming a one-man show. Falcao is out at the end of June, Pato was less than convincing (despite what Willian says), Remy has requested to leave since the winter and Traore wants to negotiate his future right now according to the Daily Express with the Bundeliga being his preferred destination if he does not get the assurances he needs that he is wanted at Chelsea. Honestly, none of their performances could challenge Diego Costa even if he is not on top form. Not sure if Conte is willing to continue with any of the players despite the fact that Chelsea haven’t been linked to any strikers other than Lukaku.

Already discussed in a previous article, Costa and Lukaku’s personalities and playing styles could clash. The Spaniard will not be put up for sale so it`s improbable to see the Blues resign the Belgium international. It would be a waste of money to bring a £50million forward just to have him on the bench. Chelsea need someone young, willing to take on the role of substitute and deliver when called upon. Out of the current bench, none of the three options (excluding Falcao who is certain to leave) fit that profile.

Who would fit the profile though?

Perica and Bamford haven’t shown any sign that they are ready for the Premier League yet so transfers need to be made. Because of Conte’s strong connections with Serie A, most of the rumors point to a striker who is active in Italy. Simone Zaza is one of the many who have been on the Blues’ radar. He is 24, affordable and eager to have a go at the Premier League. Becoming the 2nd option for Chelsea’s attack would be an improvement considering the fact that Juventus uses him as a 3rd or 4th option. Conte’s staff could have a look at the strikers who are part of the teams that have been relegated from the Premier League this season or may want to  move to a bigger club. There we have Aleksandar Mitrovic – 21 – who would surely jump at the chance to leave Newcastle and play in the Premier League again. We also have Swansea’s 24-year-old Jordan Ayew who looks like he could handle the move to a bigger club but would he be happy to fit in as a substitute. There’s also the other option of course: Chelsea could wait for Conte to come to Stamford Bridge and get Remy and Traore firing on all cylinders. Of the strikers mentioned you get the sense that the Blues will want to make a big signing for many reasons: to reinforce the attack, offer a genuine competitor to Costa, announce the arrival of the new regime at Chelsea and compete with the other big sides like United and City who surely will be making major signings. Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Morata, Edinson Cavani are the types of strikers who might fit the bill. Watch this space as Chelsea are always ready to move decisively for their chosen targets.