Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino will hope for a cheap striker to become available in the final days of the transfer window. The Blues are desperate for goals, with their only recognised centre-forward, Nicolas Jackson, scoring only eight times. Express Sport looks at who Chelsea might be able to sign before the February 1 deadline.
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Jhon Duran
Aston Villa striker Duran has shone in his first 12 months in the Premier League. While not finding the net especially frequently, he has shown signs of promise under Unai Emery.
The 20-year-old has often played second fiddle to Ollie Watkins, another player linked with Chelsea. Emery has frequently deployed Duran as a right-winger rather than in his more natural position as a centre-forward.
Two goals in 171 minutes of Premier League football this term - the equivalent of just under two full matches - is a positive record. As a young player with plenty of potential, Duran fits the profile of player Chelsea have been signing.
Callum Wilson
talkSPORT report that Newcastle striker Wilson has been ‘offered’ to Chelsea in the final week of the window. The Magpies are keen to offload at least one of their best players this year to ensure they meet profit and sustainability regulations at the end of 2024.
Eddie Howe already has Alexander Isak, so replacing Wilson will not be a problem. Newcastle might accept a cut-price deal for the 31-year-old.
Taiwo Awoniyi
Chelsea have previously been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi. Groin surgery has kept the former Liverpool star out for the past two months, but he is now back in training and working towards a full recovery.
Chris Wood has been in good form since Nuno Espirito Santo’s appointment at the City Ground. That could open the door for Awoniyi to depart if a suitable bid is made. The Nigerian’s dynamic style would suit Pochettino’s system.
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Bryan Mbeumo
If Chelsea cannot sign Ivan Toney then they might as well go for his strike partner. Mbeumo has been almost as important to Brentford’s rise under Thomas Frank as the prolific Toney.
The Cameroon international, 24, has the versatility to play all along the front line, handing Pochettino an alternative to his current options. Come the summer, Mbeumo will have only two years remaining on his contract, meaning Chelsea might be able to strike a bargain agreement soon.
Dominic Solanke
While perhaps still commanding a sizeable fee, Bournemouth star Solanke would surely not cost the same as Toney, Victor Osimhen or Brighton teenager Evan Ferguson. The former Chelsea academy ace is finally hitting form in the top-flight and is the Premier League’s leading English marksman.
Solanke has scored 14 goals across all competitions, his best record in a top-flight campaign. He might feel he has unfinished business at Stamford Bridge, having departed for Liverpool in 2016.
