Paul Merson: Chelsea must strengthen attack for next season

Chelsea need to strengthen their striking options if they are to challenge for trophies on all fronts next season, says Paul Merson.

Jose Mourinho’s men are on course for a Premier League and Capital One Cup double this term, but the Sky Sports pundit reckons another top-class forward would allow them to also challenge for the Champions League and a potential quadruple with the FA Cup.

“I think they need another centre-forward, that’s the main issue for me,” he said.

“They can’t keep relying on Diego Costa because of his injury record. Loic Remy has stepped in well but if they want to go far in all four competitions then they need more options.

“Didier Drogba is getting very close to the end of his career now. He’s still useful now and then but if they’re serious on all fronts they need another top-drawer forward. They’re not a million miles off being a top European side, though.

“The problem is, who’s available? Top drawer centre-forwards are so hard to get, so the problem is finding the right fit for the right price.”

Merson also expects Petr Cech to leave in search of first-team football this summer and says a back-up is needed for Thibaut Courtois.

“I think Cech will go, he’ll want to finish his career playing football, he won’t want to end it sitting on the bench,” said Merson.

“I’d be shocked if Jose refused to let him go and think he’d even let him go and play for a rival like Arsenal.”

So who could Chelsea go for? We look at strike options and a potential back-up ‘keeper who could be on Mourinho’s radar…

Paulo Dybala

Compared with Sergio Aguero and touted to be better than Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo within two years, Palermo’s 21-year-old Argentine striker is drawing rave reviews in Serie A.

With 12 goals in 27 games for the Italian side this season, Dybala has been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly among the front-runners for his signature.

“Dybala is worth over 40 million euros, but I won’t sell him until June,” club president Mauricio Zamparini said in January.

Sky Bet's transfer odds on Dybala signing for Chelsea - 6/1

Mauro Icardi

Another Argentine striking option could be Icardi, who has enjoyed an impressive season in Italy, netting 17 goals in 37 games in all competitions for Inter Milan.

Argentina and Inter legend Javier Zanetti says Icardi has “a great future” and the Evening Standard reported Chelsea scouts had been out to watch the 22-year-old earlier this year.

Sky Bet's transfer odds on Icardi signing for Chelsea - 6/1

Rob Green

QPR goalkeeper Green may seem an odd transfer target for title-chasing Chelsea, given he has been in a relegation dogfight all season. But the England international – who has made more saves than any Premier League ‘keeper this season – could prove the perfect deputy to Courtois.

At 35 years old, with almost 600 games under his belt, Green has plenty of experience to pass on to the prodigious 22-year-old current Chelsea No 1 and the Express have suggested a fee of £2m would be enough to acquire the shot-stopper’s services.

Sky Bet's transfer odds on Green signing for Chelsea - 8/1