The summer transfer window has been rife with speculation regarding possible attacking signings for Chelsea, and doubts over the futures of forwards Diego Costa and Loic Remy. New boss Antonio Conte has been linked with moves for Romelu Lukaku and Alvaro Morata but so far to no avail. Should fans be worried about the uncertainty in the final third?
At the moment, there shouldn’t be any cause for concern. Although Costa had been linked with a move back to Atletico Madrid, it seems for now that the striker is firmly in Conte’s plans. The Spanish forward featured in Chelsea’s final two preseason fixtures and scored against Werder Bremen in the 4-2 drubbing in Germany. If he can carry on that form in the Premier League, Chelsea could run riot.
Prior to the Bremen game, Conte had been experimenting with a 4-2-4 formation in preseason, preferring to play with two main strikers up top. However, he opted to switch to 4-1-4-1 for the last match, with Costa as the lone forward. With the addition of N’Golo Kante and his ability to provide a solid wall in front of the back four, the Italian may decide to stick with the latter formation in the season ahead.
This would mean that Costa, Remy, and new signing Michy Batshuayi would all be battling it out for the lone striker berth. Three able forwards for one position mean that Chelsea have a wealth of options in front of goal.
However, should Costa depart and Conte decide that 4-2-4 is the optimum formation, then there would be two specialist strikers in the squad to fill the two positions up front in that system. When looking at the situation that way, it suddenly seems as though there aren’t enough striking options. Could this mean that a late move for Lukaku could be on the cards?
Perhaps not, as Conte has also experimented with Eden Hazard playing in one of the two striking positions during Chelsea’s preseason preparations. The Belgian impressed against Real Madrid and scored two superb goals after appearing as a late substitution. After a fine end to the 2015-16 campaign and a decent spell at Euro 2016, the 25-year-old could once again be the main man at Stamford Bridge this season.
When Jose Mourinho returned to Chelsea in 2013-14, he often used Hazard as a false 9, so he has the experience. With his composure in front of goal, the 2014-15 Player of the Year could run opposition defences ragged if he is fielded in a striking role under Conte.
Fans hoping for Lukaku’s return to Stamford Bridge may have to wait a while longer, though, as Toffees manager Ronald Koeman has repeatedly insisted their prized asset is not for sale. With only a few weeks left to conclude transfer business, it is doubtful that Everton would let their star man depart unless they have a reliable replacement.
Should Chelsea fail to start the season in style it’s likely that pressure will mount on Conte to reinforce in the final third but it seems – for now at least – that the Blues have enough firepower to the find the net.
