Chelsea Given Opportunity To Sign Striker With 23 Goals This Season - Here's Why They MUST Take It

A toothless Chelsea side were beaten at Villa Park on Saturday night, once again underlining the lack of a cutting edge in Jose Mourinho’s side. The Blues have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich striker Mario Mandzukic, though, and it is pivotal that Chelsea strive to strengthen in this position over the summer, in my opinion.

In comparison, tying Thibaut Courtois to a new contract is not of paramount importance. The Stamford Bridge outfit have the most miserly defence in the Premier League and prior to Saturday had amassed seven clean sheets in 10 matches. Mark Schwarzer is more than an able deputyfor Petr Cech and at present I feel Chelsea would gain more by loaning Courtois out for another season.

Mandzukic is a prolific finisher - he has scored 23 goals this term - which is what Chelsea have been crying out for all season. As soon as Eden Hazard’s influence at Villa Park faded, they had nobody else to produce that piece of magic to help break the deadlock.

Fernando Torres was once again a man dramatically adrift of self-confidence and this even showed in his lack of movement off-the-ball – something that Mandzukic offers in abundance.

World-class centre forwards do not come on the market often, so it is imperative that Chelsea do not let this golden opportunity slip away. They have the potential to start the first game of next season with what would be a formidable pairing of Romelu Lukaku and Mandzukic. I don’t know many opposing defences who would relish that thought.

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