Top 5 alternatives to Edin Dzeko for Chelsea

With multiple reports making it clear that Edin Dzeko's proposed move to Chelsea from AS Roma had been called off after negotiations broke down, we look at five alternatives that we feel in our studied opinion the Blues should consider (and are, in all probability, already considering) as an alternative to the Bosnian striker:

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#5 Christian Benteke

Christian Benteke fits the stereotype of a target man to the T

Current Club: Crystal Palace

Value (as per transfermarkt): £19.80 million

Height: 1.90 m

Age: 27

The big Belgian was amongst the draft of names mentioned before Edin Dzeko's was raised - names that included Peter Crouch and Andy Carroll - and at the time he looked the best of the available options.

The quintessential target man, he would be the perfect foil for his compatriot, Eden Hazard, up front. At 27, he wouldn't run afoul of Chelsea's policy of not giving long-term contracts to 30+-year-olds as well

Opinion

Suitability for Chelsea: 6/10

Actual possibility: 4/10

#4 Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Anything is possible, isn't it?

Current Club: Manchester United

Value (as per transfermarkt): £6.3 million

Height: 1.95 m

Age: 36

The most left-field name on this list, the big Swede is also the most talented - and tallest - name on here as well. Zlatan combines all the attributes of a traditional target man with incredible athleticism and a personality that can lift the spirits of any dressing room.

If he can regain fitness, he would be quite an incredible option - though given Ibrahimovic's relationship with, and loyalty to, Jose Mourinho it's highly unlikely that the Swede would acquiesce to such a move.

Opinion

Suitability for Chelsea: 7/10

Actual possibility: 1/10

#3 Olivier Giroud

Olivier Giroud won't even have to move to a new city...

Current Club: Arsenal

Value (as per transfermarkt): £18 million

Height: 1.92 m

Age: 31

The Frenchman was the frontrunner to lead Chelsea's line after the Dzeko deal fell through and for good reason. A powerful header of the ball, and possessed of a lovely left foot, Giroud's interest in remaining in London and Arsenal's willingness to sell - even to a direct rival (see: Sanchez, Alexis) - meant the move looked a perfect temporary solution for the Blues.

Opinion

Suitability for Chelsea: 7/10

Actual possibility: 7/10

#2 Fernando Llorente

...But then again, neither will Llorente

Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur

Value (as per transfermarkt): £7.20 million

Height: 1.93 m

Age: 32

Of the names on this list, only Fernando Llorente has played under Conte - a solitary year in Juventus where the Basque striker played 34 Serie A games and scored 16 goals, a tally not bettered since - and it's no secret that the Italian had wanted the striker in the summer transfer window, only to be gazumped by Tottenham Hotspur at the last minute.

He has, though, barely played for Spurs and a move to Chelsea would be beneficial for both him and the Blues; the question of whether Spurs would be willing to so evidently strengthen a direct rival mid-season is the only one that needs answering

Opinion

Suitability for Chelsea: 8/10

Actual possibility: 8/10

#1 Andrea Belotti

Lad can head a football, let me tell you

Current Club: Crystal Palace

Value (as per transfermarkt): £36 million

Height: 1.81 m

Age: 24

The Torino forward is the youngest and most promising name on this list - but is also the shortest. At 181 cm, he doesn't fit the tall target-man stereotype that the media say Conte is looking for, but with the neck muscles of a fighting bull and shoulders to match; with a heading prowess that is damn near unmatched in top-flight football at the moment, he just might be the perfect solution for Antonio Conte

At 24, he's young enough to warrant a long-term contract and he certainly merits a big pay-package.

The only stumbling block - and it's a big one - is the price. While Transfermarkt value him at £36 million, on multiple occasions the Torino management and his own agent have made it clear that Belotti is not going anywhere without the interested club paying up his €100 million release clause.

Opinion

Suitability for Chelsea: 9/10

Actual possibility: 4/10