Chelsea FC will have to find a way to work towards improvement for as long as it is within budget. However, it appears the Blues management is making an exception. Various sources claim that Frank Lampard has been given the go-signal to make one big-time acquisition and the target is reportedly a striker.
So far, the names of Timo Werner and Moussa Dembele have been mentioned. Of the two, Werner could be a plausible target. Initially, Liverpool seemed to be on track of taking in the German striker. However, The Reds were not spared from financial distress. Aside from that, there were questions on how Werner would fit in. Jurgen Klopp already has a fine mix of strikers in Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Robert Firminho. In the eyes of some, it made no sense adding the 24-year-old footballer currently with RB Leipzig.
Chelsea could have settled for a returning player currently on loan. Michy Batshuyai spent most of his career out on loan. He is currently with Crystal Palace and has been performing well. Before the season came to a halt, he scored six goals in 13 appearances. He has only made one start for the Eagles so far. However, he still ranks a tad below big-name players available in the market. The Belgian is valued more than who the Blues have retained, something that could aid in their hunt for a big-name striker, The Athletic pointed out.
So far, the Blues have re-signed Willy Caballero and Olivier Giroud. Willian is expected to re-sign soon with the Brazilian revealing he would settle for a temporary short-term deal for now. Like other upcoming free agents, Willian is fully aware that seeking a long term and a financially viable pact is pretty low. There will be exceptions but such moves are expected to be minimal.
Aside from that, Lampard is busy trying to fix his lineup. With plans to restart football action seemingly on course, the Blues are back in training and on the verge of moving on to phase two. One player who could be returning is N'Golo Kante. Previously given a pass for fears of possibly contracting the COVID-19 virus, the French footballer has rejoined individual training. However, Chelsea is prepared to play out its remaining games with or without Kante. The French player was previously granted compassionate leave by Lampard.
With a slightly flexible budget, it will be interesting who Lampard plans to get. There are names on the table but the list is expected to swell in the coming weeks - depending on who may be available.
