Chelsea have identified a host of offensive options amid the pursuit of a place in next season’s Champions League, with the January transfer window now just a couple of weeks away.
What’s the word?
The Evening Standard reports that Barcelona’s versatile forward Memphis Depay is one option being considered by Blues boss Graham Potter, with a deal previously being explored in the summer before the west London club went with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
With the Dutchman nearing the culmination of his contract with the Blaugrana, a deal could be struck this winter, with his club looking to make a profit on a player signed from Lyon on a free transfer last summer.
With Potter facing a dilemma up front courtesy of Armando Broja’s ACL injury, which will likely rule him out for the rest of the season, the need to sign a forward who’s capable of making an instantly emphatic impact is vital.
A timely upgrade
Broja had made a steady start to life at Stamford Bridge, having earned a shot in the first-team this season following a successful loan spell with Southampton in 2021/22, scoring nine goals across 38 games for the south coast club.
He has played a largely peripheral role for the Blues, only starting twice in the Premier League, although he has a goal and an assist each, slowly working his way up the pecking order.
The signing of Depay would signify a notable upgrade on Chelsea’s current forward options, with a foray into the transfer market for the 28-year-old likely knitting the attack together and refining a cohesive aura.
As per FBRef, the Dutchman ranks within the top percentile for both progressive passes received and touches within the attacking penalty area when compared to positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues over the past year.
While he is considered a robust presence up top, his clinical efforts will have been duly noted by Potter, with his return of 13 goals and two assists last season from 27 starts demonstrating his aptitude in front of goal.
Compare that with Chelsea’s forwards this term, with Kai Havertz and Raheem Sterling top-scoring in the league with only three goals each and Aubameyang managing a measly one.
Despite playing mostly on the flanks, or behind the traditional centre-forward role, the £171k-per-week Depay has demonstrated across his career that he is an effective and all-encompassing forward, with flurries in and around the box providing direct and creative support in abundance.
Should Chelsea muster up a deal for the 86-cap Dutchman, who has a commendable 43 goals for his country, they would certainly boast an instant upgrade on the unfortunate Broja.
The Barcelona “enigma” – as lauded by Jonathan Liew – has a pedigree on the biggest stage and offers a fluidity across a variety of offensive roles which could provide a dimension to the Chelsea attack which has been sorely lacking across recent months.
