Chelsea’s striking department is facing a significant crisis as Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku find themselves unavailable. Nkunku is sidelined with a knee and a hip issue, leaving a void upfront when Jackson is away for The AFCON.
Cole Palmer took the front role in Chelsea’s recent Carabao Cup defeat to Middlesbrough. This highlights The Blues’ need for a reliable striker. Despite the summer signings of Nicolas Jackson and Nkunku, the team has struggled to find the back of the net.
Chelsea’s starting-XI included Cole Palmer as the striker with Broja on the bench, emphasizing the lack of depth in that position.
However, a potential transfer lifeline has emerged for Mauricio Pochettino and his team. Rumors suggest that Newcastle’s financial constraints “may force them to part ways” with a marquee player in the January window.
Among the candidates are Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, with the latter catching Chelsea’s attention.
Isak, who joined Newcastle from Real Sociedad for £55 million, has proven his goal-scoring prowess in the Premier League. He scored 23 goals in 49 appearances since his move to Tyneside.
While convincing Newcastle to sell might be a challenge, the perilous position they find themselves in has increased the chances of Isak making a move to Stamford Bridge.
Isak’s adaptability to the league, coupled with his performances, makes him an attractive option for Chelsea as a reliable striker.
Options for the striker position for Chelsea
In the midst of these discussions, Chelsea have also made a notable signing to bolster their attacking options.
Dujuan Richards, who turned 18 in November, has officially joined the club. Having trained with Chelsea during their US pre-season tour, Richards is seen as a player with immense potential. He may also be a possible replacement for Nicolas Jackson in the coming weeks.
Mauricio Pochettino has shown a willingness to include young talents on the bench, especially considering the ongoing injury issues within the squad.
With limited options upfront, Dujuan Richards could find himself on the bench alongside other promising youngsters like Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke, Armando Broja, or Mykhailo Mudryk.
As the January transfer window unfolds, Chelsea find themselves at a crossroads, weighing the challenges in signing established strikers against the potential of nurturing young talents.
Alexander Isak emerges as a beacon of hope, a proven goal-scorer in the Premier League who could provide the much-needed firepower for the Blues in their pursuit of silverware.
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