Chelsea is currently facing a goal-scoring dilemma, with various strikers being presented as potential solutions. The reported options include Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino and Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema, both of whom have been offered to Chelsea, but Manchester United has reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign one of them. The club’s goal-scoring struggles have been evident throughout the season, despite the promising arrival of Christopher Nkunku, whose impact has been hampered by injuries.
Nicolas Jackson, a €35 million signing from Villarreal, has contributed seven goals in the league, but his finishing and decision-making have been inconsistent. Armando Broja has been leading the line, but with only two goals in 17 appearances, he cannot be considered prolific. Chelsea is actively seeking a striker, with growing links to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, but financial constraints may delay any potential deal until the summer unless the club can generate funds through player sales.
Levi Colwill and Conor Gallagher are mentioned as potential players to be sold, with Liverpool targeting Colwill and Tottenham expressing interest in Gallagher. However, both players are crucial for Mauricio Pochettino, leading to speculation about potential loan deals to navigate through the season. Blues expert Nathan Gissing suggests that Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran has been internally discussed as a loan option.
Despite these discussions, HITC reports that higher-profile names have been offered to Chelsea, including Firmino, Benzema, and Aleksandar Mitrovic. Firmino, seeking a return to European football, has struggled since joining Al-Ahli, while Benzema, a recent Ballon d’Or winner, is experiencing challenges at Al-Ittihad. Mitrovic, from Al-Hilal, is also on the table. However, these propositions come from intermediaries, not the clubs directly.
The report suggests that Manchester United has passed on signing Benzema this month, despite their search for an experienced striker. The conclusion is that extraordinary circumstances, like Al-Ettifaq terminating Henderson’s contract, would be needed for Mitrovic, Firmino, or Benzema to potentially join Chelsea.