- Chelsea need to add more firepower to their attack—but are taking a unique strategy in the market.Chelsea needs to add additional firepower to their assault, but they are taking an unusual approach in the market.
This season, the Blues have struggled at centre-forward, with the vast majority of their goals coming from players who are better suited to playing on the flanks and in midfield.
Christopher Nkunku has already had another physical setback, and PSR fears will undoubtedly limit any large-scale investment. Chelsea is consequently considering bringing in a striker who flopped in the Championship.
According to Spanish source Marca, Chelsea will compete with Manchester United for the acquisition of Martin Braithwaite from Espanyol.The report suggests that the striker has a £6m release clause in his contract, though both clubs are keen on bringing in Braithwaite for cheaper this January, as they look for a short-term option at centre-forward.
Indeed, if Espanyol remains in La Liga 2, the Danish international will be available for only £500,000 in the summer, which may encourage them to sell now. With 12 goals in 22 games, he might be the difference in them returning to the top league of Spanish football.
Braithwaite, 32, does have English football experience, having played for Middlesbrough from 2017 to 2019, though not in the Premier League. In 2020, he strangely managed to land a move to Barcelona to play with Lionel Messi, scoring 10 goals in 58 games over three seasons.
While not the most prolific, Braithwaite’s experience might provide a much-needed short-term fix at Stamford Bridge, where every member of the Chelsea squad, except Thiago Silva and reserve goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli, is under the age of 30.
Armando Broja appears to be on his way out as well, leaving Mauricio Pochettino with little attacking options. Braithwaite is valued at just £3 million by
