Thomas Tuchel's next transfer mission could see Chelsea sign their own Edinson Cavani
Rumours have been suggesting that Thomas Tuchel wants to find a backup striker to Romelu Lukaku
in January. Here are three potential solutions that Chelsea could look at the provide that
added bit of quality.
As is always the case, strength and depth are the driving forces behind sustainable
success. Couple this with the elite managerial ability and you have the perfect recipe for
challenging domestically and internationally for every possible trophy.
This has been the way Chelsea have opted to do things over the past two decades, but the
key to that has always been a collection of squad players who, when selected, can provide
that cutting edge to push the side over the line. This often coalesces in the form of
a second striker who can come off the bench with an instant impact.
Olivier Giroud most recently was that player for Chelsea. Not only was he, and continues
to be, clinical in front of goal, but stylistically his qualities allowed Chelsea to switch stance
and play a more direct style of football.
However, the list of second strikers at Chelsea in the last fifteen years has been
remarkable. Demba Ba, Loic Remy, Samuel Eto'o, Michy Batshuayi, and to some extent Fernando
Torres and Nicolas Anelka too. These players have been catalytic in Chelsea's long term
success with almost every player in this list owning a major moment in a Chelsea season.
Yet, with the sale of Olivier Giroud to Serie A leaders AC Milan, Chelsea are left without
a player in what is clearly a key role in the side. Kai Havertz, whilst being an exceptionally
talented young player, is yet to find consistent form in front of goal. Romelu Lukaku will
occupy the central striker role, but when he is missing due to injury or Chelsea need
to rotate, a quality second striker is needed.
Manchester United are the envy of the Premier League when it comes to this position. Edinson
Cavani is without doubt the most perfect second striker in the league. A player who understands
his role in the side is to not always start, but conceivably quite easily could. His finishing
is simply extraordinary and he is a focal point for a changing dynamic when he enters
the pitch.
Thomas Tuchel, Marina Granovskaia, and Chelsea need to find their own Edinson Cavani in order
to sustain an assault on every competition and to reduce the burden on Romelu Lukaku.
Also, competition for places is healthy and might provide Lukaku with a bit of pressure
that could see his performances return to their peak.
Duvan Zapata Duvan Zapata has been truly exceptional for
Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta since joining the club in 2018. The Colombian international
has registered a staggering 109 G/A's in 143 games for the La Dea, and at 30 years of age,
is not slowing down. Zapata already has 12 G/A's in 13 appearances so far this season.
Standing at 6'2ft with an ability to act as both the creator and goal scorer, Zapata's
profile seems to tick all the boxes. If he were to make a switch to Chelsea, it would
be under the assumption that he would not be a guaranteed starter, but would provide
ample competition for Lukaku and would hugely benefit the team when on the pitch.
However, being a regular starter for an exciting Atalanta team that often feature in the Champions
League, it might be tricky to convince Duvan Zapata to leave North Italy for West London.
Wout Weghorst Wout Weghorst has been one of the most underrated
strikers in Europe over the last two seasons. His consistently excellent performances for
Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga have seen him be welcomed into the Dutch national team,
and he was central to Wolfsburg's Champions League qualification last season.
The 29-year-old Dutch striker joined Wolfsburg following a productive stint at AZ Alkmaar
where he managed to rack up an impressive 58 G/A's in 86 appearances. This form has
continued at the Volkswagen Arena, where he has 89 G/A's in 132 games.
Standing at close to 6'5ft, the physicality of the Premier League would not be of concern.
Additionally, Wolfsburg is in somewhat of a crisis at current, and a move to the European
Champions could be an enticing prospect. Despite his importance to his team, his age profile
and Wolfsburg's need to generate some income post-pandemic could see Chelsea pick him up
for a fairly decent price.
Andrej Kramaric Leicester City 2015/16 ring any bells? It
is easy to judge a player off of one poor transfer or limited game time in the Premier
League, Memphis Depay and Florian Thauvin have been victims of this too in recent seasons.
However, since leaving the Foxes, Andrej Kramaric has turned into one of the best strikers in
Europe.
Having found a home at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Kramaric has been exceptional. In 196 appearances
for the club, he has 141 G/A's, these are the type of numbers that an ideal second
striker should have for Chelsea. Typically, Bundesliga wages, Bayern aside, are much lower
than they are in the Premier League, and at the age of 30, one final move to end his career
could be on his mind.
He would be under no illusions that Romelu Lukaku would be the starting striker, but
his ability would allow Chelsea to change their style of play and his reliability in
front of goal would be just what Chelsea need to go far in all competitions. For me he is
well worth considering.
Armando Broja is beginning to develop well at Southampton, so recalling him would perhaps
be more of a hindrance to his progression than anything else. If Chelsea is serious
about finding a second striker, then there are plenty of players available.