Report: Chelsea earmark four options to address their lack of bite in attack

Chelsea have earmarked four centre-forwards as potential reinforcements in 2024

Chelsea are set to look for top centre-forwards in the next transfer window, and they have shortlisted four No. 9s as the 2024 January transfer window draws near.

According to Caught Offside, (h/t Express), the Blues have Evan Ferguson, Victor Osimhen, Ivan Toney, and Santiago Gimenez as their top targets to fill the No. 9 position. It has an infusion of both youth and experience, tyin in well with Todd Boehly’s transfer strategy .

Of the names, Osimhen is the most high-profile. The Nigerian’s relationship with Napoli has suffered a fracture given the club’s Tiktok videos regarding him. While matters have cooled down since, it has failed to guarantee the striker a future in Serie A.

Toney has himself revealed he wants to leave Brentford, and the Blues aren’t the only ones in the race to sign the 27-year-old striker. Meanwhile, Chelsea should avoid signing the likes of Even Ferguson and Santiago Gimenez as they could stymie the development of Armando Broja and Nicolas Jackson.

Osimhen and Toney look like the best choices because they are ideal strikers who can influence our attacking line thanks to their experience and ability. It remains to be seen who will be available in the January window. If the Nigerian insists on moving, Napoli may demand an extravagant price for him.

If not, we can wait until 2025, when his contract expires, although it remains unlikely if he will be allowed to enter the Bosman market. Osimhen harbors the dream of playing in the Premier League and hopefully, it will be Chelsea who helps him realise it.

Chelsea’s urgency for a proven striker has been highlighted after their wastefulness in front of goal this season under Mauricio Pochettino. Now it remains to be seen if they would want a centre-forward in January or wait until the next summer window.

More Chelsea News

• Mauricio Pochettino reveals that Chelsea star Levi Colwill is not seriously injured
• Mauricio Pochettino causes Chelsea frenzy after failing to recognise Malang Sarr
• Fabrizio Romano reveals Chelsea have approached Corinthians for Gabriel Moscardo

Broja and Jackson have shown signs of progress, but we don’t know if they will continue that momentum because it’s too soon to expect anything from them as they are young and will need time to stamp their authority in the league. However, if the Blues do go for any striker, then Osimhen and Toney should be a preferable choice.