“He plays like Mbappe” “A great baller” – Chelsea set to move for £77m star who loves Cole Palmer
Chelsea’s Continual Look for a Trustworthy Number Nine
Battles Ever Since Diego Costa
Since Diego Costa left in the middle of the 2010s, Chelsea has had trouble locating a dependable number nine. Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, and Tammy Abraham have all made an attempt but eventually failed. Lukaku is the lone player still with Chelsea as of July 2024, however he is probably going to leave this summer.
Nicolas Jackson’s Encouraged Beginning
The most recent attempt to fill the void is Nicolas Jackson, who had a great first season in England with 14 Premier League goals, which was second highest for Chelsea in the previous campaign. Cole Palmer, who cost £40 million to join from Manchester City, scored 22 goals to lead the squad.
Linked with Top Talent
Chelsea has been linked with several high-profile forwards, including Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen, and Viktor Gyokeres. However, Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez has emerged as a top target. The Argentinian forward seeks more consistent first-team minutes and could end Chelsea’s search for a new centre-forward.
Alvarez’s Potential Move
Reports suggest Alvarez is unhappy with his 31 starts for City and is looking for a new challenge. City would not block his departure but are asking for a fee around £77m, including add-ons. Despite the hefty price, Alvarez would be a significant acquisition, having contributed 20 goals in the Premier League last season in a deeper role.
Reuniting with Palmer
Alvarez’s arrival could reunite him with Palmer, potentially rekindling their successful partnership. Comparisons to Kylian Mbappe highlight Alvarez’s potential impact. Both players have thrived in various roles, with Alvarez matching or exceeding Mbappe’s stats in some areas.
Why Alvarez Could Be Chelsea’s Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe has been a standout talent in Europe, scoring 85 goals in the last two seasons before moving to Real Madrid. Alvarez, similarly versatile, has excelled in multiple positions under Guardiola. FBref data shows Alvarez’s performance on par with Mbappe’s, particularly in shot-creating actions and take-ons.
A Perfect Fit for Maresca’s System
Alvarez’s ability to regain possession and create chances aligns perfectly with Maresca’s high-pressing system. His potential arrival could elevate Palmer’s performance and enhance Chelsea’s attacking unit.
Future Prospects
While it remains to be seen if Alvarez would swap Manchester for London, his addition would be a major boost for Chelsea’s quest to secure a Champions League spot. Palmer’s impressive form could also entice Alvarez to join Chelsea, taking both his career and the team’s success to the next level.