Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has called on the club’s board to make a move for a striker in the January transfer window.

The Italian has been at pains to keep out of transfer dealings during the first few months of his reign, stating on more than one occasion that he is a coach rather than a manager.

However, after yesterday’s 0-0 draw against Southampton, Sarri was explicit in stating that he needs a striker with different attributes to fit his style of play:

“The club knows very well my opinion. I think we need something different for characteristics. I’m not in charge of the market. I have to try to improve my players, my team, my offensive phase, or better my offensive phase in the last 20 metres. The club knows my position, my opinion. It’s up to the board.”

Gonzalo Higuain and Callum Wilson are the two names that have been most heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge, but it remains to be seen whether the Blues boss will get his way.

Sarri revealed that he didn’t know that Christian Pulisic was going to sign for the club even a day before it was announced, although he was consulted about the player. The American international has signed from Borussia Dortmund for £58m but will remain on loan in Germany for the remainder of the season.