Chelsea: Richarlison would be a better short-term option than Andy Carroll
With Chelsea reportedly considering moves for Richarlison and Andy Carroll, the former would probably be a better signing this January.
With Chelsea’s squad looking as jaded as ever, the Blues are in the market for some reinforcements this January. The second-half of the campaign will be more intense and Antonio Conte needs more options to keep everyone fresh and in-form. Richarlison and Andy Carroll are two players being linked with a Stamford Bridge switch, but the Blues should prioritise the former.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have joined the mid-season race for Watford’s impressive winger
"Arsenal and Chelsea have identified Watford attacker Richarlison as a potential signing during the summer transfer window. The London duo have been impressed with Richarlison’s debut season in England and are weighing up a bid to lure him away from Vicarage Road."
Meanwhile, The Telegraph claims that Carroll is a prime target for Conte this January.
"Chelsea will this week step up their efforts to try to boost head coach Antonio Conte’s striking options with a shock move for Andy Carroll still a possibility."
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While Chelsea have looked appalling in front of goal, Richarlison will be the better deal to make. The Brazilian has caught the eye of the Premier League this season, driving Watford to an impressive start. His performances have resulted in rumours linking him with an exit and, having only spent £11 million on him, Watford may well be willing to cash in while he is hot property.
The Blues do need a direct threat to Alvaro Morata, but Andy Carroll isn’t that. The Spaniard would know that there would be little chance of Conte dropping him for the West Ham man. The intended effect of putting pressure on Morata would not happen.
In Richarlison, Conte has an exciting winger who can make things happen. With Hazard evidently suffering from the pressures of single-handedly carrying the Chelsea attack, Richarlison provides Conte with a high-level replacement.
Where Willian and Pedro provide an endless amount of effort, Richarlison will provide a moment of magic.
The risk is that Richarlison’s track record stretches back only five months. Watford would have seen something in him when they signed him in the summer. However, he only rose to prominence once in the Premier League. Chelsea will be buying him solely based on his recent performances.
Carroll, meanwhile, has a decent enough record. He’s scored some great goals and had some big seasons. However, he is injury prone and his particular style of play does not fit in with Chelsea’s current direction.
Next: Chelsea’s hierarchy should act before it is too late
What do you think? Who would you want to sign first? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!