Chelsea transfer targets to prevent a repeat of Manchester United loss

Striker

Diego Costa is not the future. But even with poor form, Michy Batshuayi has been unable to see minutes. Though Batshuayi showed quality in Ligue 1 last season, Conte does not trust him even in dire times. Hopefully, a loan is in his future, but Chelsea may just as likely sell him after one disappointing season at Stamford Bridge.

That turns the conversation to who will be Chelsea’s starting striker next season. Chelsea have three strong contenders in Romelu Lukaku, Alvaro Morata and Andrea Belotti.

The one that is closest to happening is Lukaku. His work rate and touch generate a lot of chatter, but at the end of the day he is one of the Premier League’s deadliest strikers. He will be returning to Chelsea young enough to iron out the mistakes and will also have unfinished business at the club. Add in the crown of Didier Drogba in his sights and it is almost too hard to pass up.

Morata is the deal next closest to being done. Conte never managed him, but would have been instrumental in bringing him to Juventus prior to his departure.

Morata has struggled for minutes at Real Madrid, but has achieved a high goal-scoring rate nonetheless. He does not have the proven Premier League quality of Lukaku, but in the long-term he may be the better option for the way Conte wants his strikers to play.

Finally, Belotti has burst onto the scene as a young striker in Serie A with plenty of goals. The quality is there, but there have been too many strikers in the past who have done well in Serie A for one season and then faded. With the alleged price tag being ridiculous, this is probably a move to delay until he proves that he is here to stay.

Where do you see cracks in Chelsea’s armour? Let us know your thoughts and transfer ideas in the comments below or tweet at us!