Chelsea are reportedly once again keen on signing Fernando Llorente. As time begins to flutter away, the club’s desperation for a Diego Costa replacement is evident.
Diego Costa has publicly revealed that he is not in Antonio Conte’s plans. Hence, Chelsea need to sign a marquee striker to replace his production. With Romelu Lukaku now supposedly on his way to Manchester United, Chelsea are desperate. Step in, Fernando Llorente rumours.
The Times reports that the Blues are renewing interest in the Spanish striker as they urgently look for any sort of goalscorer.
"Chelsea have revived their interest in Fernando Llorente as a potential back-up striker for next season. The Premier League champions attempted to sign the Swansea City forward in January but the Spaniard was not allowed to leave and scored 15 league goals to help his side avoid relegation."
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Llorente may be cast in the role of backup at the moment. However, with Chelsea making little progress in signing a main man, Llorente may well be forced into the starting job.
A deal for Lukaku seemed all but done a matter of days ago, but the Blues board have seemingly failed to close it. Jose Mourinho has swooped in and stolen the highly-rated Belgian from under Chelsea noses. The West Londoners stole Pedro, now United are stealing Lukaku.
Attention will turn to Alvaro Morata, but Llorente could end up being Conte’s only option. Little has been said about Morata talks being in advanced stages and Real Madrid may actually want to keep him. If Chelsea sign Llorente, he would be the only experienced forward in the squad.
That is still a big if, though. Swansea City will be keen on keeping the striker who netted 15 times for them. Amidst a turbulent season in Wales, Llorente was one of the few bright spots as they avoided relegation.
Chelsea have apparently been close to signing not just Lukaku, but the likes of Tiemoue Bakayoko as well. Nothing has materialised as fans become increasingly worried about the incompetence of the board.
Signing Llorente may initially seem insignificant. But the latest developments paint it as a desperation move as the board look to purchase any sort of striker.
Next: Chelsea at brink of a transfer fiasco with Costa and Lukaku
What do you think of this story? Are you panicking over the striker situation yet?