Chelsea set their sights on Torino striker Andrea Belotti
By Rayna Sidhu
The Champions are in dire need of a striker and are now forced to turn their attention from top target Romelu Lukaku.
Chelsea fans will have you believe their club is in crisis this summer, which isn’t the case. But the lack of signings so far from a title winning team is a bit concerning. The Blues were set on Everton’s Romelu Lukaku making a return back to the club but he is now heading to Old Trafford after the Red Devils agreed a price for the striker.
Now, Chelsea have no choice but to work their way down the list of other targets and snatch one up fast. Pre-season training begins on Monday and Antonio Conte will want plenty of time to meet and prep his new players for the season ahead.
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The latest reports suggest that Andrea Belotti of Torino is the preferred choice. The Italian striker is highly rated in Serie A where he scored 26 goals last season. He is known for his aerial capabilities as well as his desire to play more defensively when needed. Chelsea would benefit massively from a player of his stature and skill.
As Diego Costa is set to leave the club, a striker is a necessity. Michy Batshuayi is promising but did not play enough last season to be given the responsibility as first striker. Some would argue that he has earned the right after his league-winning goal, but Conte is not as kind.
Not only will he want a more experienced man up front, he will also want to create some competition for places on the team. It is a tactic that worked wonders for the likes of Cesc Fabregas last season.
Other reports indicate that Chelsea may also be after Swansea’s Fernando Llorente, who scored 15 goals in the league last season. Whilst he has Premier League experience, it is questionable whether he has the capability to fit into this competitive Chelsea side. He wouldn’t be as good of a signing as Belotti, but the League Champions are running out of time.
Next: Manchester United and Everton agree deal for Lukaku
Chelsea are starting to look desperate. Whether that’s the truth or not, they do need a valuable striker to replace Costa and ignite their chances at retaining the title and succeeding in other tournaments. All eyes are on the Blues as they try to find the perfect man for the job – would that be Belotti or Llorente… or neither?