Which of these strikers can add more firepower to Chelsea’s attack?
“We’re probably a bit light in attacking positions,” said Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo, explains why the Blues have been linked with a host of top strikers, including Edinson Cavani and Andre Schurrle. talkSPORT's Transfer Spotlight has more.
Powerful and strong, despite his wiry frame, Cavani has scored goals everywhere he has played, beginning with Montevideo side Danubio in 2006. It didn't take long before moving to Europe, joining Palermo in 2007, and it was there that he announced himself in Serie A with a thunderous goal from outside the area to earn his side a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina (see video evidence below). After an impressive return of 35 goals in 114 appearances, Napoli secured his services three years later and he has since been one of the most sought after strikers in the world, with Man City and Chelsea both monitoring the situation. Meanwhile, Ian Wright used his newspaper column in December to plead with Arsenal to sign him in the January transfer window.
Still only 21, Schurrle is equally adept at playing out wide and moved to Leverkusen in 2011 from Mainz, where he made his Bundesliga debut against his current employers in 2009. Schurrle netted 15 league goals for Mainz in his final season before departing, helping them to Europa League qualification in the process. At Leverkusen the goals dried up as he switched to a wide role, but on the international front he has bagged five in his first 10 appearances for Germany, including three in Euro 2012 qualifying.
What's the latest?
Cavani: Following months of speculation linking the 25-year-old to a host of European clubs, Chelsea are rumoured to be preparing a massive £35m bid to take Cavani from Naples to London. The Sun, though, have claimed that should they fail in their attempts to sign the forward, then the Blues will throw even more money at Porto to snap up Hulk.
Schurrle: Chelsea are back in for the German youngster only a month after a move for him was knocked back. Schurrle expressed his disappointment in being denied a move after his club could not find a suitable replacement. However, Chelsea are reportedly back in for him and a fee of around £23m may convince the Bundesliga club to let the forward go, even if Leverkusen claim they will resist all advances.
What is being said?
On Cavani: “He’s the type defenders hate playing against, always on the move, always looking for the right run, always a threat.” - Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright
On Schurrle: “Andre Schurrle is an outstandingly talented striker” - Bayern Munich and former Bayern Leverkusen manager Jupp Heynckes
Video evidence:
Cavani
Schurrle
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