Chelsea can solve two major problems with January deadline day transfer double
Chelsea's striker issues are well-documented.
Frontmen have come and gone at Stamford Bridge, often arriving and forgetting how to hit the back of the net. Indeed, Romelu Lukaku, Gonzalo Higuain, Timo Werner and Alvaro Morata are among those who have signed and struggled in west London. No wonder they didn't assign the number 9 shirt this season.
That's not to say the Blues haven't sought to rectify their goal woes. There's been a marked improvement in the final third this season, though that hasn't stopped Chelsea from laying the groundwork for a new arrival before the transfer window closes this week. This comes despite the additions of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson last summer, combined with Armando Broja's availability following a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
However, Nkunku has been restricted to just 130 minutes of game time due to injuries while Jackson has endured an indifferent start to life in England. Broja has also struggled, so much so that Mauricio Pochettino has used top scorer Cole Palmer as a false 9 on more than one occasion this season.
There's also a desire for Chelsea to sell Broja before Thursday's deadline in order to remain in the Premier League's financial regulations.
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Broja would be classed as 'pure profit' to help the Blues balance the books having spent heavily following Todd Boehly's takeover. With that in mind, Chelsea have understandably been linked with a new striker should Broja depart this month. The 22-year-old has hardly set the world alight following his return to fitness, netting just two goals in all competitions for Pochettino's side this season.
While he does have the desirable skillset to succeed as the lone striker for a Pochettino-managed side, the selflessness to his game helping to bring others into play, the fact is Chelsea need help with their profit and sustainability goals, and losing Broja to keep fellow academy product Conor Gallagher is more appealing to the club - particularly when it is Spurs looking to land the England international.
The question, then, would be whether Chelsea can find a buyer to give them what they want for Broja to leave this month and if so, who could they sign to replace the Albania international?
Armando Broja finds Chelsea hoping to sell - but wanting a big price (Chelsea FC via Getty Images)Ideally, Chelsea would strike a short-term deal with a view to going all guns blazing for a big money frontman in the summer. As such, they have been linked with moves for Jhon Duran and Callum Wilson of Aston Villa and Newcastle, respectively. Chelsea were credited with an interest in Duran prior to his move to Villa from Chicago Fire last year, with the Colombian shining in MLS.
The 20-year-old scored eight times and provided an additional three assists in just 1368 minutes of game time in the 2022 MLS campaign, a solid return.
Villa ultimately took a gamble on Duran and while he is yet to start a league game under Unai Emery, the Spaniard is keen to retain his services, though that stance may soften given the impending arrival of Morgan Rogers. Factor in that Duran is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines owing to a hamstring injury sustained prior to last week's 0-0 FA Cup draw between the two sides, and the likelihood of a deal going through this month is slim even if Chelsea retain an interest in the striker.
Jhon Duran joined Aston Villa a year ago (Neal Simpson/Getty Images)
Callum Wilson finds himself on Chelsea's radar - with Newcastle needing to sell someone themselves (Getty Images)A move for Wilson, though, perhaps make a little more sense. Yes, the 31-year-old has injury issues of his own but he's now second choice frontman for Newcastle with seven of his 14 league appearances coming from the bench and even with a lack of regular minutes; he still boasts the third best mins per goal record at the time of writing (one every 103.1 mins) in England's top tier this term.
With Kieran Trippier and Miguel Almiron both remaining at St. James' Park, Wilson is Newcastle's most sellable asset this month as the Magpies, like Chelsea, look to remain within financial regulations. Wilson may not be the most glamorous striker linked with a move to Stamford Bridge yet he's a Premier League experienced striker that, crucially, knows how to consistently hit the back of the net.
Chelsea have also had success in signing an experienced frontman in a January window having previously secured Olivier Giroud's services back in 2018. The Frenchman was a hit at Stamford Bridge and while not so prolific in west London, Giroud had a transformative effect on the Blues, helping Chelsea to FA Cup, Champions League and Europa League success before leaving for AC Milan in 2021.
Wilson, if he remains fit, could have a similar effect for the club, bridging the gap that would allow Chelsea to spend big on another striker in the summer while playing the role of elder statesman to help the likes of Jackson, Nkunku and a potential new arrival. He may not be the No.9 some fans want, but rather the one Chelsea needs right now.
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Ultimately, Chelsea may rebuff all efforts from rival sides to sign Broja this month unless their massive asking price is met by interested parties. - both Wolves and Fulham continue to negotiate terms.
And if the Albanian does depart, then Wilson could prove a solid short-term fit for the Blues in the second half of the season ahead of another summer splurge.
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