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News
- 16 minutes ago
Three strikers Chelsea should target in January
Cameron Smith
- 15 Dec 2025 06:56 CST
- 4 min read
News
Chelsea have failed to sign a prolific centre forward since Diego Costa’s arrival from Atletico Madrid back in 2014 and it’s still an issue at Stamford Bridge today.
The likes of Alvaro Morata, Timo Werner and Nicolas Jackson have all tried and failed to fill the striker void in west London, to varying degrees of success, but the Blues haven’t yet found a solution.
Current ETV
Liam Delap
F (C), AM (R)
Chelsea
Liam Delap
F (C), AM (R)
Chelsea
ETV Range
€43.6M - €53.3M
This time five months ago, however, it looked as though Chelsea had finally identified their Costa replacement, in the form of Liam Delap, while Joao Pedro’s sensational form at the Club World Cup was yet more reason for optimism.
But, Delap has scored just twice in 17 appearances since his move from Ipswich Town, and is now on the sidelines after suffering a shoulder injury, and Pedro has only found the back of the net on three occasions in his last 17 games for the club.
Meanwhile, Marc Guiu doesn’t appear to be at the level required and Enzo Maresca has been reluctant to trust academy starlet Shumaira Mheuka. As a result, centre forward remains a problem position for the Blues.
Dastan Satpaev and Emmanuel Emegha will both arrive at Stamford Bridge to bolster the striker options available to Maresca next summer, however signing an alternative to Delap and Pedro during the upcoming winter window may be wise if the Blues want to challenge for major honours this season.
Widespread reports have hinted that Chelsea are unlikely to dip into the market in January, while it’s claimed that BlueCo will not move away from their youth-centric transfer strategy.
However, the centre forward position remains an issue at Stamford Bridge and if they opt to bolster the options available to Maresca, there are several high-quality options they could target.
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray)
The obvious solution for Chelsea’s centre forward problem is Victor Osimhen.
The Nigeria superstar was linked with a blockbuster move to Stamford Bridge in both 2024 and 2025, but the Blues were unwilling to match his wage demands and a deal failed to materialise in either year.
He joined Galatasaray on a permanent deal for €75 million this summer and he has notched 12 goals in 16 games so far this season, including six in the Champions League.
Delap has struggled to lead the line since his move to Chelsea, with his link-up play flawed and his finishing prowess often off the mark. Osimhen, on the other hand, has proven over several years that he is one of the best strikers in world football.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
If Chelsea want to sign a slightly cheaper option than Osimhen, a move for Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta could be a shrewd one.
Reports suggest the France international is unlikely to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park and the Eagles may therefore be required to consider a sale next year in order to avoid losing him on a free transfer in 2027.
While Mateta wouldn’t align with the age profile of virtually every signing made by Chelsea under BlueCo’s ownership, he has proven pedigree in the Premier League and this could be hugely valuable for the west London outfit.
Mateta may also accept a rotation role alongside the likes of Delap and Pedro, and Maresca would no doubt be delighted to have a different weapon in his attacking arsenal.
Joaquin Panichelli (Strasbourg)
The aforementioned Emegha was expected to be the main man at Strasbourg this season, but the Dutchman has suffered several injury niggles and his absence has allowed Joaquin Panichelli to take centre stage.
The Argentine arrived at Strasbourg from Alaves in July, following a successful loan spell at Spanish second division side Mirandes last season, and he has hit the ground running in France.
Panichelli has scored 10 goals in 21 games for Strasbourg and he is currently second in the Ligue 1 Golden Boot race, behind only Mason Greenwood.
The Chelsea hierarchy also own Strasbourg and reports have speculated that a January deal could be on the cards, with Maresca understood to be impressed by Panichelli’s form this year.
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