The forwards left on the market that Chelsea could sign this summer

24 Jul 2022 11:10 BST
5 min read

Thomas Tuchel, Chelsea, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Despite adding Raheem Sterling to their ranks, Chelsea are still in the hunt for another attacker this summer as Thomas Tuchel continues to demand changes at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues fell to a humiliating 4-0 defeat to Arsenal in a pre-season friendly in Orlando, with Tuchel admitting "we have the same issues because we have the same players."

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Kalidou Koulibaly and the aforementioned Sterling are the only summer arrivals so far, with Tuchel wanting to see more additions before the window closes.

The German has admitted he wants "at least one more" centre-back signed, with the pursuit of Jules Kounde not yet finalised, while attack remains a concern as it has done for several years.

With Romelu Lukaku loaned back to Inter Milan after a disappointing season and both Kai Havertz and Timo Werner yet to really impress, signing a new central striker is reportedly something being looked at.

While Havertz suits Tuchel's mould of a forward, the German hasn't kicked on at Chelsea and has netted just 23 goals in 92 appearances for the West London club.

However, a worrying issue for Tuchel is that there aren't many forwards actually left on the market, and a lot are either not good enough or too expensive.

Serge Gnabry was looked at before he signed a contract extension at Bayern Munich, while AC Milan may price Rafael Leao out of a move.

FootballTransfers takes a look at some of the forwards still left on the market who Chelsea could sign.

Neymar - PSG

FootballTransfers understands that Neymar has struck up a positive relationship with new PSG head coach Christophe Galtier, but that his €30 million per year wages may compel sporting director Luis Campos, who is in charge of transfer policy at Parc des Princes, into a sale.

Galtier has said: "What will happen in the near future, before the transfer market closes, I don’t know. It’s in the media saying that he’s going, then that he’s staying. I’ve not spoken to him personally about this."

However, Chelsea don't want to pursue a move for Neymar. CBS reporter Ben Jacobs wrote for FootballTransfers that Neymar would listen to an offer if he got one but Chelsea don’t want to proceed for the same reasons as Ronaldo.

Even though Tuchel has worked with him before and admires him, there is nothing to suggest Chelsea will move on that as he doesn’t fit their model.

Cristiano Ronaldo - Man Utd

The Portuguese star has told Manchester United he wishes to leave the club this summer, and Chelsea are one of the teams who have been offered his services.

Just like with Neymar, Tuchel isn't convinced with a move for Ronaldo, but he is available for a move if that line of thinking changes.

However, it seems improbably that Chelsea will sign Ronaldo, even though he's one of very few options available on the market.

Antoine Griezmann - Atletico Madrid

According to The Times, Atletico Madrid want to sell Antoine Griezmann as part of an attempt to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to La Liga. The Spanish giants need to offload players to find room on their wage bill to afford Ronaldo’s salary and last week they reportedly offered Griezmann to several European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain.

Griezmann moved back to Atletico from Barcelona last summer and is halfway through a two-season loan deal that includes an obligation to buy of €40 million.

The France international could therefore be on the market should Chelsea wish to pursue a deal. However, he scored just three La Liga goals last season.

Memphis Depay - Barcelona

Barcelona want to sell Memphis Depay just one year after signing him on a free transfer from Lyon. Ronald Koeman had hand-picked Depay last year after working with him at international level, and the forward suffered more than most after Xavi's arrival mid-season.

His tally of 12 goals and two assists in 28 La Liga games is respectable at worst, but he isn't in Xavi's plans for next season, meaning the Blaugrana are ready to sell.

According to AS, Barcelona have set an asking price of €25 million on Depay's head, but this is contrasted by Sport, who have reported that Barca would be willing to accept an offer as low as €20m.

Chelsea could swoop for the Dutchman, although he would likely come in as a back-up option rather than a first-team starter.

Sasa Kalajdzic - Stuttgart

Stuttgart's Sasa Kalajdzic is one name reportedly being tentatively looked at by Man Utd should Ronaldo leave this summer, FootballTransfers understands.

Stuttgart striker Sasa Kalajdzic — © ProShots

The Austrian forward was on both Dortmund and Bayern Munich's radar earlier this summer, but neither German side have snapped him up, leaving the door open for Man Utd to pounce.

However, if the Red Devils opt to stick with Anthony Martial this year, then Chelsea could come in for Kalajdzic, who is available for purchase this summer.

He has scored 22 Bundesliga goals in 48 games over the past two seasons, and the German club will reportedly sell if an acceptable offer comes in for him.