Chelsea FC ‘Desperate’ To Sign New Striker
Reports claim that Chelsea FC will sign a striker in the January transfer window
We have heard this rumor several times already this season, but according to the Mirror, Chelsea FC are “desperate” to add a new striker to their ranks. There are several names being bandied about by different sources but the consensus is clear, the addition will be made in the January window.
With Diego Costa struggling for form, Radamel Falcao out injured, and Loic Remy unable to force his way to the starting lineup, Jose Mourinho is left grasping for straws. All of his striking options are not responding the way he likes so he is forced to look elsewhere.
He even deployed Eden Hazard as his striker the past two matches despite having two players in Kenedy and Bertrand Traore who may be better suited for the role. Traore in particular was deployed as a center forward for Vitesse Arnhem last season and responded with 17 goals in 36 appearances.
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The Blues also have some intriguing striking options on loan in Patrick Bamford and Dom Solanke but a more finished product appears to be Mourinho’s preference. According to the Mirror, Mourinho is tracking the situation of Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann and West Bromwich Albion’s Saido Berahino.
"“Chelsea have made Antoine Griezmann their number one target for the January transfer window. The 24-year-old France international frontman is valued at £25-million-plus by his Spanish club, Atletico Madrid.”“Mourinho is also monitoring the situation with Saido Berahino of West Bromwich Albion. The 22-year-old was the subject of an unseemly tussle between Spurs and Albion in the summer when an agreement could not be reached over how a £22 million fee would be paid.”Source: The Mirror"
Griezmann has been tearing up the Champions League and La Liga with 11 goals and three assists in both competitions while Berahino has been an unused substitute in West Brom’s last two matches. His manager Tony Pulis has relegated him to the bench until the England striker gets his mind right after the “disappointment” of not making the move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Obviously the better of the two options on paper is Griezmann as he is the far more complete player and is capable of playing at the highest level in the Champions League. Berahino is however used to the rigors of the Premier League and would not be cup-tied in Europe this season.
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The fee for Berahino will likely be inflated because of his English passport so Griezmann would likely represent the better value of the two. At just 24-years-old, the French forward has yet to truly enter his prime and is only developing in to a better player.
If these rumors are true then this gives Jose Mourinho a chance to atone for his mistake of not buying the Frenchman when he had the chance a few years ago. Chelsea FC may not end up buying either of these young stars but if they do they need to pull the trigger as soon as possible and not wait until deadline day.