A journalist has revealed which three attackers Graham Potter hopes Chelsea can sign, while also providing the truth on Cristiano Ronaldo potentially moving to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s striker situation is an interesting one. They spent £97.5million to sign Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan in summer 2021. However, he is now back on loan at Inter and Chelsea will probably take a massive hit when selling the 29-year-old at the end of the season.
The Blues replaced Lukaku by capturing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from Barcelona on the summer transfer deadline day. He was mainly viewed as a signing for Thomas Tuchel, as the pair had worked together at Borussia Dortmund.
Aubameyang has been in decent form under his new boss, scoring twice against AC Milan in the Champions League and once in a Premier League win over Crystal Palace. Potter can also rely on Armando Broja up front.
However, many reports are suggesting Chelsea will revamp their attack next year with a new striker. This is probably because Aubameyang is in the twilight years of his career. And club chiefs must feel they can find an upgrade on Broja, too.
CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs has now detailed which three forwards are in Potter’s sights. The first is Rafael Leao of Milan.
Jacobs states he was a target for Chelsea before Potter joined. But the change of manager hasn’t altered their admiration of the Portuguese.
Leao mainly operates as a left winger. But he is becoming deadly in front of goal and may just have the attributes to shine at centre-forward.
Potter has Rafael Leao alternatives in mind
The second name on Potter’s list is Lille goalscorer Jonathan David. He is in blistering form right now, having found the net nine times in just 11 appearances.
Chelsea were linked with David’s signature on October 18. Jeunes Footeux claim Potter’s side could make a move for him as early as January.
Jacobs reckons David is well and truly on Potter’s radar, although he doesn’t give any information on a possible January bid.
Chelsea could look to the Prem to replace Aubameyang as Brentford talisman Ivan Toney is apparently the third man on Potter’s shortlist.
Like David, Toney is enjoying the new campaign. Eight goals have come his way in 13 games so far.
Jacobs also reveals what is going on with Ronaldo’s future. The striker is not in Erik ten Hag’s plans at Man Utd and is set to leave Old Trafford, possibly in January.
SundayWorld bring up the possibility of Ronaldo moving to Chelsea. And he is even willing to take a pay cut to make this happen.
Cristiano Ronaldo move appears unlikely
Jacobs reckons Boehly would like to add Ronaldo to Potter’s squad, partly because of his global brand. However, Leao, David and Toney are further up on Potter’s list than Ronaldo.
And Boehly will only sign the five-time Ballon d’Or winner with Potter’s blessing, which makes a move unlikely. It is seen as a ‘hard sell’ right now.
Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, is working on a couple of other exit avenues for the 37-year-old.
One is Roma, though this will only happen if they qualify for the Champions League. The second is Ronaldo leaving Europe altogether and moving to MLS.
It is understandable that Potter wants to sign a younger, improving striker rather than Ronaldo.
The Man Utd legend is obviously a fantastic player with the ability to change matches. But it will not be long before he retires and Potter is looking to kickstart a long-term project at Chelsea.
David could be the best striker option for Chelsea. He is the youngest of the three stars at 22, which means he has plenty of time to develop. Plus, he is picking up UCL experience. This cannot be said for Toney.
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