Chelsea could reportedly try to sign Al-Ittihad striker Karim Benzema or Al-Ahli centre-forward Roberto Firmino to address their lack of goals in the January transfer window. Both players joined the Saudi Pro League clubs in July, with Benzema scoring 15 goals in 24 games for Al-Ittihad and Firmino scoring three goals in 19 games for Al-Ahli since then.
Chelsea turns attention to Benzema and Firmino after learning of high price tag for first-choice target
Reporting last week, the Daily Mail credited Chelsea with a strong interest in Napoli centre-forward Victor Osimhen. The player is also reportedly open to a move to the English Premier League but will not force his way out of Naples.
There is believed to be a £103 million ($131.13 million) release clause in the Nigerian international’s contract, but the Pensioners are not looking to spend such a huge sum in the January transfer window. Furthermore, Osimhen is currently representing Nigeria at AFCON 2023, meaning that even if Chelsea complete the signing, they will not have his services immediately.
Brentford attacker and Arsenal target Ivan Toney is also reportedly on Chelsea’s radar. But the Englishman is unlikely to leave the Bees in the January window.
With their two main transfer targets out of reach, the west Londoners are looking for a cheap solution to their goalscoring woes. They want to sign a proven centre-forward for six months and pursue their main targets in the summer transfer window.
According to The Telegraph, Benzema and Firmino are two players that Chelsea see as perfect short-term alternatives. Benzema, a five-time UEFA Champions League winner, knows all about being there for big moments, while Firmino, a 2019 UEFA Champions League winner, has hands-on Premier League experience. It will be interesting to see if the club manages to do the unlikely and bring any of the players to London.
The Blues have been inconsistent in front of goal this season
The Stamford Bridge team have Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja as their natural centre-forward options. Jackson and Palmer have scored eight goals for the club in all competitions, emerging as joint top scorers. Unfortunately, Chelsea cannot rely on Jackson at the moment as he represents Senegal at AFCON 2023. Meanwhile, Broja is barely back to fitness and may need some time to get back to his best.
The Blues need a bit of direction, something that both Firmino and Benzema could provide.
This season, Chelsea have scored 35 goals in 21 Premier League games. Only Manchester United (33) have scored fewer Premier League goals in the top 10. Unless the current generation of attackers pick up the pace or Chelsea sign a player capable of scoring consistently, they could miss out on European football for the second season in a row.
