Transfer targets for Chelsea’s biggest transfer window in club history
By Max Hodder
Attack
After years of making defences tremble with vicious interplay and counter attacks, the 2015/16 season was one of disappointment for the attack. After heavily relying on Diego Costa and Eden Hazard the previous season, they found themselves lost and incapable of creating chances at times.
Antonio Conte, although more known for his defensive strategies, usually plays two up front. As a result of this, he will need to ensure he buys another star striker to play alongside the wonderful Diego Costa.
Dream: Antoine Griezmann
This is my favourite player of the lot. Antoine Griezmann. The French striker is undoubtedly one of the top strikers in the world, having becoming prolific since making a mega move to Atletico Madrid on the back of a fantastic World Cup.
In the 2014/15 season, Griezmann scored 22 goals, finishing only behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and this season has once again scored 22 goals, proving himself to be a consistent threat in front of goal.
A strike force of Costa and Griezmann could be one to make defenders shiver. With Costa holding the ball up and Griezmann running onto layoff passes, this attack could land Chelsea in a position to compete for the title once again.
Unfortunately this transfer is highly unlikely. With Atletico reaching the Champions League final and Chelsea failing to reach Europe, there is no real incentive for the French striker to make the switch to West London. There is also talks of Griezmann extending his contract, but if talks break down, Roman should be the first person to try and persuade him to join Chelsea.
Realistic: Gonzalo Higuain
Gonzalo Higuain has class. His stats prove this. Scoring 35 goals in one season, Higuain tied the Serie A record for goals in a single season. Although older at 28-years-old, Higuain would provide Chelsea with instant goals, providing star hitman Diego Costa with much needed support.
He would be a perfect fit to the face-paced, athletic English league. His talent is endless, and therefore would come at a high price with sources saying around £60 million for the Argentine. I strongly believe he will leave Naples this window and hopefully will make the move to Stamford Bridge.
Youth: Dominic Solanke
After bursting onto the Chelsea youth scene last season, scoring 33 goals in 40 games, Solanke (18) was tipped to play a role in the Chelsea attacking front as well. Instead, like many other young talents, was sent out on loan to Vitesse, scoring 7 goals in a injury-hit campaign.
I feel that Solanke could become an important squad player, being a proven goalscorer, by using his pace, strength and skill. It seems as if he will return to the squad for pre-season and Chelsea fans will be ecstatic to see how he does under Conte. Marcus Rashford anyone?
Next: Chelsea FC’s Top 30 Transfers Of All Time
Who do you think Chelsea should buy? Or should they focus on promoting from within? Let us know in the comments below!