With the Alvaro Morata transfer rumours gathering pace, it’s worth looking at five strikers Chelsea could turn to to replace the misfiring Spaniard this summer.
It seems pretty clear the Blues need a change up front after a hugely disappointing first season at Stamford Bridge from Morata, who looks nowhere near the standard required to fill the void left by Diego Costa.
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The Spain international managed just 15 goals in 48 appearances for Chelsea in 2017/18, and did himself no favours by missing some notable big chances at important moments.
Calciomercato now report that AC Milan are interested in Morata, while another report from the same source snapped the 25-year-old chatting with Juventus officials.
Whether Morata stays or goes, he surely shouldn’t be first choice up front for Chelsea next season, so here’s our pick of five players who could replace him, including one slightly left-of-field option…
Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
One of the very best strikers in the world, Robert Lewandowski has scored 151 goals in just 195 appearances for Bayern Munich as he’s linked with a move away this summer.
The Telegraph have recently linked the Blues with an interest in signing the Poland international for £100million, which would certainly be a deal to get fans on their feet at Stamford Bridge again.
It’s conceivable that Lewandowski may feel it’s time for a new challenge after taking German football by storm for so much of his career, and it would be great for neutrals as well to see him strut his stuff in the Premier League.
Edinson Cavani (Paris Saint-Germain)
A recent report from Tuttosport, translated by the Metro, also links Chelsea with an interest in PSG striker Edinson Cavani in what would be another exciting move.
The Uruguay international, like Lewandowski, has been one of the game’s most reliably prolific centre-forwards of the last few years and he’d surely smash it in English football.
Tall, strong and skilful, Cavani seems to be the ideal Chelsea striker and fans will hope there’s truth to the rumours they’ve been in touch about bringing him to west London.
Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus)
An ambitious target perhaps, but football.london recently linked Chelsea with an interest in Juventus hot-shot Gonzalo Higuain.
Despite dividing opinion and having something of a reputation as a bottler in the biggest games, Higuain’s record speaks for itself and Chelsea would surely be better for having him.
Higuain’s record in Serie A is extremely impressive, and while it remains to be seen if he’d score at such a rate in England, he’d surely be a major upgrade on Morata.
Dries Mertens (Napoli)
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Napoli forward Dries Mertens, according to Sport, as translated by Sport Witness.
That report states he’s available for just a £24million release clause, in which case Chelsea should surely be looking at the prolific Belgian as another option to replace Morata.
With Calciomercato linking Maurizio Sarri with the Chelsea job, one imagines there has to be a chance the Italian tactician would look to raid his old side for a talented attacker who’s been so key to his success in Serie A.
Michy Batshuayi
Finally, could it be worth Chelsea simply taking a gamble on a talented striker they already have on their books?
Michy Batshuayi didn’t get many opportunities under Conte in his first year and a half at Chelsea, but showed what he’s capable of in a loan stint at Borussia Dortmund this season.
Despite playing just 14 matches, the 24-year-old hit nine goals before getting injured, and he has surely showed he deserves more of a chance back with the Blues in a move that could save them a fortune in the transfer market.