Things took a turn for the better this week as a new transfer rumor has emerged for Chelsea. After fans had to try and wrap their heads around the fact that Conte’s winter transfers might be Crouch, Carroll, Dzeko or Slimani they finally have some rumors which are more appealing.
With Manchester City, Manchester United and Arsenal making big moves in this winter transfer window you would expect Chelsea to make additional signings to Ross Barkley who they already signed from Everton just to respond to their rivals.
According to Metro, the Blues are now focusing on signing West Ham forward Marko Arnautovic who has exploded in the past two months. Moving him up front as a centre-forward was brilliant. He apparently has turned in what Conte was looking for – another striker but not one of great stature.
Even though Arnautovic is turning 29 in April, he is still worth a shot. He looks like he has reached his peak which would make this the perfect moment to sign him. As long as he doesn’t get slapped with an over-inflated price tag, he might be the man to bring to Stamford Bridge.
It’s still plausible that Conte is looking to use his Italian football heritage to get the most out of this season – shifting his focus to defending. This type of play you usually see in Serie A, requires a strong striker such as Higuain or Icardi who can hold up the ball and can push away any defender to score that late winner.
Arnautovic is exactly that and more. He is stronger than Higuan or Icardi. You is an established Premier League performer.
West Ham paid £25m for the Austrian international so if they do sell, it is likely they will ask almost twice that much. If that’s the case, Chelsea are better off waiting until the summer to focus on someone like Griezmann or Cavani. If the Hammers agree to let him go for just a bit more than what they paid, Conte should insist on bringing Arnautovic to the Bridge although given his recent form would David Moyes really want to part with the Austrian international.