Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is on the hunt for a centre-forward this summer and it seems that Romelu Lukaku is off the list as Manchester United close in on a deal to sign the Belgian.
The Italian manager is short of a goalscorer after he revealed to Diego Costa that he was no longer required at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard looks set to leave the Premier League champions this summer.
Lukaku was seen as the perfect replacement for Costa, but the London club will now have to look elsewhere for a forward as the Belgian nears a move to Old Trafford.
So who should Conte pursue? We take a look at a few options below.
Alvaro Morata
The Real Madrid striker was linked with a move to Manchester United for several weeks but with the possible arrival of Lukaku at Old Trafford, they might drop their interest in the forward.
This leaves the door open for Conte to open negotiations with the Spanish giants over Morata, who has already made it clear that he is keen on a move to the Premier League. The Spaniard will cost around £75m.
The 24-year-old wants to be the starting forward and that is something Conte can provide as the striker looks to claim a starting spot for Spain in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Andrea Belotti
The 23-year-old forward gained attention last season after his prolific goalscoring form for Serie A club Torino. The Italian striker stuck 28 times and has been subject to interest from major European clubs.
Conte will know all about Belotti as the Italian has forced his way into the International setup and will be looking for a big move this summer.
Stamford Bridge could be the perfect destination for him as he can show his talents against Europe’s finest teams in the UEFA Champions League.
Robert Lewandowski
The Polish forward had yet another season filled with goals as he smashed in 30 goals in the Bundesliga for champions Bayern Munich.
The forward showed he can do the same in the Premier League by demolishing Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League.
Lewandowski has been rumoured to be wanting a move to the Premier League and where better to go than striker-less Chelsea?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
The Borussia Dortmund striker has been linked with a move to the Premier League for the last two seasons and it seems that the Gabon international is finally ready for a move.
The 28-year old was the top scorer in the Bundesliga ahead of Robert Lewandowski as he found the net a whopping 31 times.
With pace, power and lethal finishing, Aubameyang will form a formidable partnership with Belgian Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge. Aubameyang proved he is an elite forward by also netting seven times in the UEFA Champions League.
Timo Werner
The German is considered as one of the hottest prospects in world football. The RB Leipzig striker burst onto the scene in the German Bundesliga and helped fire his side to a second-place finish by scoring 21 goals.
His instincts in front of goal will definitely impress Conte, who is looking for a lethal striker and Werner fits the description. Werner recently won the golden boot award in the Confederations Cup as his Germany side won the tournament.
The 21-year-old showed that despite his young age, he is ready for the highest level of football.
Whoever Conte decides to pursue, they will have to be at their best to help Chelsea retain their Premier League title as well as challenge in the Champions League.
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