Chelsea currently finds itself grappling with a dilemma in the realm of goal-scoring, as a variety of strikers are being floated as potential remedies. Among the options reportedly on the table are Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino and Ballon d’Or laureate Karim Benzema, both of whom have been presented to Chelsea. However, Manchester United has purportedly declined the opportunity to secure one of these talents. Despite the promising arrival of Christopher Nkunku, who has shown glimpses of his prowess but has been hindered by injuries, the club’s struggles in front of goal have persisted throughout the season.
Nicolas Jackson, a €35 million acquisition from Villarreal, has managed to notch seven goals in the league, yet his finishing and decision-making have proven to be inconsistent. Meanwhile, Armando Broja has shouldered the responsibility upfront, but with only two goals in 17 appearances, his goal-scoring prowess cannot be deemed prolific. As a result, Chelsea is actively scouring the market for a striker, with increasing speculation linking them to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. However, financial constraints may necessitate delaying any potential deal until the summer, unless the club can generate funds through player sales.
Levi Colwill and Conor Gallagher have been mentioned as potential outgoing players, with Liverpool eyeing Colwill and Tottenham expressing interest in Gallagher. Nevertheless, both players are integral to Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, prompting speculation about possible loan deals to navigate through the remainder of the season. Notably, Chelsea expert Nathan Gissing has hinted at internal discussions surrounding Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran as a loan option.
Despite these discussions, HITC reports that more high-profile names have been floated Chelsea’s way, including Firmino, Benzema, and Aleksandar Mitrovic. Firmino, in search of a return to European football, has encountered difficulties since joining Al-Ahli, while Benzema, fresh off winning the Ballon d’Or, is facing challenges at Al-Ittihad. Mitrovic, hailing from Al-Hilal, is also said to be under consideration. However, these propositions have come through intermediaries, rather than directly from the clubs.
The report suggests that Manchester United has passed on the opportunity to sign Benzema this month, despite their quest for an experienced striker. The prevailing belief is that extraordinary circumstances, such as Al-Ettifaq terminating Henderson’s contract, would be required for Mitrovic, Firmino, or Benzema to potentially make the switch to Chelsea.