Chelsea have been given a boost in their search for a world-class striker next year, as one of Europe's finest marksmen could choose a switch to Stamford Bridge over Barcelona and PSG.
After their damning 2-1 loss at home to newly-promoted Sunderland, Enzo Maresca's side have returned to winning ways after three victories in their last four games across all competitions.
enzo-maresca-chelsea-premier-league
In truth, the criticism of Chelsea can be overblown sometimes, considering that defeat to the Black Cats was their first and only loss in nine matches — a run which includes impressive victories over Liverpool, Tottenham and José Mourinho's Benfica in the Champions League.
The Blues are now third in the Premier League table and six points behind league leaders Arsenal, but pundits like Jamie Carragher are adamant that Chelsea could use something different to their pretty similar options throughout the team.
"I think the problem with Chelsea is, I think they've, obviously bought a lot of players. They've got a big squad, but a lot of the players are the same," Carrager told The Overlap.
"It feels like every player is the same when they swap them. So I think when you're a manager, you've got the options, and it's not like one's like a superstar and the other one's just okay. So you're always gonna pick the main one. If you you know the front three, you could have a different front three, and it wouldn't completely change the sort of level of the team."
Reports suggest that BlueCo partly agree with Carragher's statement, as they're making transfer plans ahead of next year despite spending close to £300 million in the summer.
The Premier League's biggest summer spenders
Team
Liverpool
Chelsea
Arsenal
Newcastle
Man Utd
Nottm Forest
Tottenham
Sunderland
Man City
West Ham
via BBC
After his latest injury blow and being hauled off just six minutes into Chelsea's 2-2 draw with Qarabag last week, midfielder Romeo Lavia is expected to be sidelined for at least one month with a quadriceps problem, and Chelsea were already looking at new midfield targets before the Belgian's return to rehab.
It is unclear whether Chelsea could look to strike a midfield deal in January, or whether it's one for next summer instead, but it is reportedly more clear that Maresca wants a new centre-back to come in at the very least as BlueCo prioritise a defender.
Other media sources indicate that Chelsea may well bring in another striker next year as well, despite Joao Pedro's excellent form and the return of Liam Delap.
Julian Alvarez reportedly refuses to rule out joining Chelsea ahead of Barca and PSG
Speaking to the Chelsea Chronicle, journalist Graeme Bailey has said that £211,000-per-week forward Julian Alvarez is one to keep an eye on.
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez
The former Man City sensation has dazzled under Diego Simeone at Atletico Madrid this term, netting nine times in his last 15 outings, and he finished his debut 24/25 season at the La Liga side with nearly 30 goals in all competitions.
This incredible form is attracting interest from some of Europe's biggest hitters, including PSG and Barca, but Bailey has suggested that Alvarez is refusing to rule out a Chelsea move.
“Alvarez has quietly emerged as one of the best strikers in Europe. He has been very good for Atletico, outstanding even, but intermediaries are making it clear that he is considering his options," Bailey said.
“Whilst Barca seems the most likely option for him — PSG and Chelsea are very much keeping close tabs on the situation. I am told that clearly Barca and PSG appeal to Alvarez, but don’t rule out a move to London with Chelsea.
“There is also Enzo Maresca. He and Alvarez worked well together during their time together at Manchester City. It’s one to keep an eye on. If Alvarez does become available this summer, I wouldn’t dismiss Chelsea at all.”
Maresca could have his pick of new centre-forwards with the pacey Emmanuel Emegha poised to arrive from sister club Strasbourg in 2026.
Alvarez would be the cherry on top, but according to some reports in Argentina, those within Barca are convinced that Atletico could demand as much as £176 million to let the 25-year-old leave - so Chelsea may even have to break the Premier League transfer record.