Chelsea open discussions to signal “the following Mbappe”

Chelsea could have secured Champions League qualification courtesy of a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest on Sunday however they will not get very far within the competitors except they considerably enhance their centre-forward choices.

Nicolas Jackson managed a grand whole of 12 targets throughout 33 matches this time period. Damage points have restricted his affect, however the basic feeling is that Jackson isn’t of the required high quality to assist steer the Blues again to profitable trophies.

When Roman Abramovich purchased the membership in 2003, the Stamford Bridge aspect loved its best period, profitable two Champions League titles and 5 Premier League crowns.

Regardless of the success, Chelsea have had their fair proportion of centre-forwards who’ve flopped beneath the load of expectation in London.

Certainly, Fernando Torres (45 targets in 172 matches), Andriy Shevchenko (22 targets in 77 matches) and Mateja Kezman (seven targets in 41 matches) all arrived on the membership with loads of hype, but did not ship.

Add within the likes of Alvaro Morata, Timo Werner and Michy Batshuayi, and it quickly turns into clear that Chelsea have a serious downside with getting the very best out of the strikers they’ve purchased since 2003.

Some are exceptions to the norm although. With one title standing out among the many relaxation like a beacon of hope – Didier Drogba.

How Didier Drogba destroyed the Premier League

Drogba got here to José Mourinho’s consideration means earlier than he grew to become the supervisor of Chelsea in 2004. Throughout a recreation between Mourinho’s Porto and Drogba’s Marseille within the 2003/04 Champions League, the enigmatic Portuguese supervisor was enamoured by the striker’s efficiency.

He scored throughout that recreation and when Mourinho ended up at Chelsea just a few months later, Drogba was one in every of his first signings, costing a staggering £24m, which on the time was an enormous payment for a participant who had spent only one season with Marseille.

Ultimately, it turned out to be a cut price. His first marketing campaign didn’t fairly go to plan, however from 2005/06 onwards, Drogba scored 13 or extra targets in each season till he departed in the summertime of 2012.

The Ivorian received 4 FA Cups, three Premier League trophies and the Champions League throughout his first spell with the Blues. Add in a handful of different home cups, and it’s clear Drogba is a Chelsea legend.

Who can neglect his efficiency within the 2012 Champions League remaining towards Bayern Munich of their yard? If scoring an equaliser with minutes to go wasn’t sufficient, the ahead joined the pantheon of icons on the membership by netting the winner within the penalty shootout.

He returned for a second spell throughout 2014/15, profitable a Premier League and League Cup double, a becoming means for him to depart.

Others have come and gone making an attempt to duplicate Drogba’s eye for purpose and match-winning performances in main finals, however nobody has come shut, but.

Might this all change through the summer time switch window? As Enzo Maresca is eyeing a transfer for a striker that may change the membership’ fortunes.

Chelsea eager on signing Drogba 2.0

The Stamford Bridge aspect have been linked with their fair proportion of strikers, and the window isn’t even open but.

Joao Pedro is the newest title to be touted for a transfer to London. Whereas Liam Delap is obtainable for simply £30m after Ipswich City had been relegated. Victor Osimhen remains to be a reported goal for the Blues, who missed out on him final summer time.

Journalist Miguel Delaney of the Unbiased has now said that the Blues are eager on signing Hugo Ekitike this summer time, saying: “Chelsea now strongly contemplating Ekitike, as they hone striker pursuit after Champions League qualification.” In a comply with up report, he famous that the Blues at the moment are ‘extensively discussing a transfer’ for the ahead.

Now {that a} seat on the prime desk of European soccer has been secured, Chelsea are eager on bettering their squad.

They should splash cash in bringing Ekitike to London, nevertheless, as he would possible value round £85m.

Given the monetary rewards on provide for enjoying in Europe’s premier competitors subsequent season, this payment may be one thing Maresca may pay, particularly as he’s in dire want of a brand new striker.

Might he replicate the feats of a sure Drogba? Ekitike has all of the required instruments to take action, that’s for certain.

Why Chelsea should signal Hugo Ekitike

Revered analyst Ben Mattinson ensured lots of European heavyweights had been on standby this summer time by lauding the striker in March.

“A transfer in the summertime appears inevitable and rightly so, Ekitiké is without doubt one of the finest strikers on the market able to explode,” he mentioned.

Throughout 48 matches for Eintracht Frankfurt, the Frenchman scored 22 targets whereas registering 12 assists in all competitions. Not only a typical quantity 9, but additionally a participant who’s eager to hyperlink up properly with others and generate probabilities for his teammates.

Drogba was additionally a well-rounded centre-forward, recording 82 assists over his 381 video games for the Blues.

When in comparison with his positional friends throughout Europe’s prime 5 leagues, the previous PSG centre-forward has been a standout performer.

Certainly, not solely does he rank within the prime 6% for whole photographs (3.74) and shot-creating actions (3.5) per 90 over the earlier 12 months, he additionally ranks within the prime 9% for assists (0.29) per 90.

Moreover, Ekitike additionally ranks within the prime 6% for progressive carries, profitable take-ons and touches within the attacking penalty space. It’s evident that he possesses the abilities which may make him an enormous success within the Premier League.

Notably described as the “subsequent Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, like Drogba, he could be making a transfer from a revered group in a top-five European league following a profitable marketing campaign.

With an insatiable eye for purpose and a selfless nature within the remaining third, Ekitike exudes lots of the qualities that endeared Drogba to the Chelsea devoted throughout his two spells in London.

Ought to the French sensation transfer to Chelsea, he might need lots of dwelling as much as do. Given his shows for Frankfurt, this won’t be an issue.