Chelsea FC: Top 5 striker alternatives to Cavani

Chelsea’s long search for a clinical striker looks set to continue as reports suggest Edison Cavani is close to agreeing a deal with PSG. Having already missed out on Radamel Falcao, this latest news will come as a major blow to the London club. Here are five alternatives that Jose Mourinho may have to consider.

1. Wayne Rooney

It is no secret that Mourinho is an admirer of the Englishman’s ability and recent reports are linking the want-away United player with a move to Stamford Bridge. He played the best part of last season in a deeper role, allowing Van Persie to take on the goal scoring responsibility, but at Chelsea the Liverpudlian could be given a new lease-of-life. Rooney is a proven goal-scorer in the Premier League, and with an array of creative midfielders behind him, he could have the tools to become a leading striker once again.

2. Zlatan Ibrahimovic

If Cavani does move to PSG then Ibrahimovic could become available. He would be the ideal replacement for Didier Drogba with his strong style of play and he could bridge the gap until Lukaku breaks into the first team. A younger signing might see the Belgian condemned to the bench, preventing him from developing his game.

3. Romelu Lukaku

Chelsea could place their faith in the young striker at an early stage and make him their main man. It seems unlikely that Mourinho will place so much weight on his shoulders (not that he could reach them), but if he can replicate the form he had at West Brom then it could impossible to ignore the option.

4. Robert Lewandowski

His more agile style of play could suit Chelsea’s new, attractive approach to the game. Reports are suggesting that the Pole is most likely to join Bayern Munich, but should that fall through, he could be a great alternative for Jose Mourinho.

5. Stay put

They currently have Fernando Torres, Demba Ba, Romelu Lukaku and Andre Schurrle who can play as a centre forward. While there may not be an obvious choice there Chelsea could benefit from rotating them all. Without the pressure on a singular man, they will all have the chance to contribute goals and compete for a starting place.