Five alternatives to Diego Costa as move for Atletico star looks in doubt.With recent news that Diego Costa‘s move from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea may not be as done and dusted as initially thought, fanatix takes a look at five other big-name strikers on the market this summer that could add something to Jose Mourinho’s squad.
The Blues are known to be keen on adding some top quality new signings upfront after disappointing performances in recent times from the likes of Fernando Torres and Demba Ba. Meanwhile, Samuel Eto’o has been released by the club and unsettled youngster Romelu Lukaku looks likely to follow.
Costa had looked like an ideal transfer for the Premier League giants, with his physical power and eye for goal making him a great long-term replacement for the legendary Didier Drogba, but it remains to be seen if the club will actually be able to push this deal through. Click below to see five other top strikers who could help ease the pain if Chelsea can’t land Costa this summer.
5) Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli)
Wanted by Barcelona, former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain has enjoyed a highly productive first season with Napoli, establishing himself as one of the best attacking players in Europe again after falling down in the pecking order at the Bernabeu. With his fine goalscoring form in Italy, Higuain could be on the move again this summer after attracting yet more interest from big clubs, and Chelsea have been rumoured to be among them. The Argentine forward played under Jose Mourinho during their time at Real Madrid, and the two could form a good partnership again at Stamford Bridge, as the 26-year-old would certainly be a significant upgrade on Chelsea’s current options upfront.
4) Mario Balotelli (AC Milan)
After a disappointing early World Cup exit with Italy, AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli should be available for talks as AC Milan seem ready to sell the unsettled front-man. Arsenal are currently thought to be leading the chase for Balotelli’s signature as they also eye new major additions in attack ahead of next season, but Chelsea have also been linked with the 23-year-old in recent times and could take this chance to beat their rivals to this top-class signing. Despite his continued disciplinary problems, the Italian international could prove a bargain signing for just £29m, and who better to get the best out of this difficult personality than Jose Mourinho, who has transformed the careers of players like Didier Drogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the past.
3) Radamel Falcao (AS Monaco)
After just one season in Ligue 1 with AS Monaco, Radamel Falcao is back on Chelsea’s radar again after they supposedly missed out on signing him last summer while he was still at Atletico Madrid. The prolific Colombian international is currently out injured and may not return back in time for the start of the season, but there’s no doubt he would be a signing worth pursuing given his superb goalscoring record over the last few seasons. Real Madrid are also said to be interested and may currently be leading the chase for his signature, but Chelsea would really be landing themselves a great new striker if they could lure Falcao to Stamford Bridge this summer.
2) Karim Benzema (Real Madrid)
With Real Madrid targeting the likes of Luis Suarez as well as Radamel Falcao, it could be that they will be ready to part company with one of their best players this summer as doubt surrounds the future of French forward Karim Benzema. The 26-year-old has been one of Real’s best and most prolific players for the last few years, but seemingly remains undervalued by the Spanish giants, leading to interest from the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United. Chelsea have also been linked with the player, who is another who played under Jose Mourinho before and may look to do so again.
1) Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)
One of the most talked about transfer sagas of this time last summer, Chelsea could be about to revive their interest in Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney. The England international was reported to have rejected an approach from Jose Mourinho last year before signing a new contract at Old Trafford, but the Blues boss remains a big fan of the powerful centre-forward, who seems like he could benefit from a new challenge after a long stay with United. No longer the focal point of the team, Rooney may do better in this Chelsea squad, playing in his preferred striker’s role, with Mourinho surely a good enough manager to rediscover what makes Rooney tick and bring him back to his best.
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