Transfer Talk: Five strikers Chelsea could target in the January sales

Chelsea’s season could not have gone much better so far. 

The European champions are three points clear at the top of the Premier League after 10 games and on course to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League, while they have also reached the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup. 

But a shortage of strikers is a worry for boss Thomas Tuchel, who is currently without crocked duo Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner. 

The German tactician has reportedly requested the Blues sign a striker in January — but who could that be? 

Ahead of Chelsea's visit to Malmo this evening, we turn the spotlight on five potential options.

Anthony Martial

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United was always going to reduce the playing time of his fellow strikers — and Anthony Martial is one of those affected.

The Frenchman, 25, only made 17 Premier League starts last season and he looks set for even fewer in 2021-22, having made just two so far.

At Chelsea, Martial could become a more regular rotation option for Lukaku as a No9 instead of having to compete with Ronaldo and Edinson Cavani at Old Trafford. 

Alexandre Lacazette

Alexandre Lacazette's best years may be behind him — he turns 31 at the end of the season — but the Arsenal man delivered an outstanding cameo against Crystal Palace last month, bagging a crucial equaliser for Mikel Arteta’s side with virtually the last kick of the game.

The 16-cap international has reached double figures for goals across all competitions in each of his four full seasons with the Gunners. 

So he certainly still has plenty to offer, even in a bit-part role, just as Olivier Giroud did following his move from the Emirates to Stamford Bridge in 2018.

That being said, the Frenchman is out of contract next summer and would be available on a free — although a cheap January switch could well be an attractive proposition. 

Karim Adeyemi

Karim Adeyemi has been in prolific form for FC Salzburg this term — the Germany international has struck 10 times in 12 games in the Austrian top flight.

While a move to a Bundesliga club feels more likely at this stage of the 19-year-old’s career, there is a strong German influence at Stamford Bridge, where Tuchel has Antonio Rudiger, Kai Havertz and Werner among his playing contingent.

Of course, if it is experience Chelsea are after, Adeyemi is not the man for the job. 

But his ability and remarkable potential make him an intriguing long-term option up front.

Ivan Toney

Chelsea were reportedly interested in signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney during the summer transfer window.

Having bagged 31 Championship goals — 33 including the play-offs — last season, Toney has not looked remotely fazed by the step up to the Premier League and has scored twice in the top flight already.

At 25, the former Newcastle man may feel it is the perfect time for his biggest move yet.

Armando Broja

If all else fails, how about Chelsea recall one of their plethora of players out on loan?

Broja, 20, is set to spend the whole campaign with Southampton but the Albania international already looks at home in elite football, having scored twice in two starts for the Saints.

He also enjoyed an impressive loan spell last season too, bagging 10 goals in 30 appearances for Dutch outfit Vitesse as they finished fourth in the Eredivisie.

The answer to the Blues' striker search could already be on their books.