Chelsea Football Club currently finds itself grappling with a pressing issue: a shortage of goals. This challenge has prompted the club to explore various options to bolster their attacking prowess. Among the names circulating in the rumor mill are Roberto Firmino from Liverpool and Karim Benzema, the recent Ballon d’Or winner. Both players have reportedly been made available to Chelsea, although Manchester United has opted not to pursue either of them at this time.
Throughout the season, Chelsea’s struggles to consistently find the back of the net have been apparent. Despite the promising arrival of Christopher Nkunku, who has unfortunately been plagued by injuries, the team has not been able to fill the goal-scoring void satisfactorily. Nicolas Jackson, a €35 million acquisition from Villarreal, has managed to contribute seven goals in the league. However, his performances have been marred by inconsistency in finishing and decision-making. Armando Broja, who has been leading Chelsea’s frontline, has only managed to score two goals in 17 appearances, highlighting the team’s need for a more prolific striker.
In response to their goal-scoring woes, Chelsea is actively in pursuit of a new striker, with increasing speculation linking them to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen. However, the club faces financial constraints that may delay any potential deal until the summer transfer window, unless they are able to raise funds through player sales.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing regarding the potential sale of Levi Colwill and Conor Gallagher. Colwill has attracted interest from Liverpool, while Tottenham has expressed interest in Gallagher. Both players have proven crucial for Mauricio Pochettino’s plans, leading to speculation that loan deals could be a viable option to navigate through the remainder of the season. Chelsea insider Nathan Gissing has suggested that Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran has been considered as a potential loan option internally.
Despite these ongoing discussions, reports from HITC have indicated that Chelsea has been presented with offers from higher-profile players such as Firmino, Benzema, and Aleksandar Mitrovic. Firmino, eager to return to European football after a stint with Al-Ahli, has struggled to replicate his previous form. Benzema, who recently received the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, has faced challenges during his tenure at Al-Ittihad. Mitrovic, currently playing for Al-Hilal, is also reportedly on Chelsea’s radar. However, these offers have come through intermediaries rather than directly from the clubs involved.
The report further suggests that Manchester United has opted against signing Benzema during this transfer window, despite their own quest for an experienced striker. It concludes by speculating that extraordinary circumstances, such as the termination of certain players’ contracts by their current clubs, would likely be necessary for players like Mitrovic, Firmino, or Benzema to potentially join Chelsea in the near future.
In essence, Chelsea’s pursuit of a solution to their goal-scoring dilemma involves navigating complex negotiations, financial considerations, and the delicate balance of player acquisitions and sales. As the transfer window progresses, the club remains vigilant in its search for the right striker who can make a significant impact on the team’s performance and help achieve their ambitions in domestic and European competitions.