Chelsea Transfer News: Paco Alcacer Would Be a Smart Signing for the Future

Chelsea are wisely considering a bid for young Spanish striker Paco Alcacer. The Valencia star would be a very smart signing for the future.

The Blues are reportedly in competition with Premier League rival Arsenal for the 21-year-old, per Talksport.co.uk:

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Arsenal and Chelsea have been touted as possible destinations, while Barcelona also enquired after Alcacer back in 2011 - after he was top-scorer at the under-17 European Championships.

Valencia are said to be determined to hold onto Alcacer, who netted seven goals in 11 games during the La Liga side's run to the Europa League semi-final last season.

The Spaniard's new deal is expected to reward him with a pay-rise, while it is also thought to contain a buy-out clause of around £25m.

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Chelsea need additional cover at striker. New signing Diego Costa has been worryingly beset with hamstring issues since the end of last season. The former Atletico Madrid man is currently hindered with the same problem, per Daily Star reporter Jack Wilson.

Manager Jose Mourinho can't risk a prolonged absence from Costa. The Spain international has already proved a deadly leader of the attacking line in the Premier League.

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He has taken just three matches to net four goals, according to WhoScored.com. His value has been obvious, but it's just as clear that Chelsea lack a credible alternative.

Returning hero Didier Drogba is now 36. The veteran lacks Costa's acceleration to get behind markers. Meanwhile, fellow summer signing Loic Remy has pace to spare, but can't match the strength Costa has to play with his back to goal.

In Alcacer, Mourinho would get a player combining both of these key attributes. Four Four Two writer Ben Grounds perfectly described Alcacer's finest qualities:

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What really stands out about Alcacer is that, as well as being technically gifted, there is a selflessness about his game that betrays his goalscoring record. He is always looking to bring onrushing midfielders into play, and such qualities have been instilled in the 20-year-old since his days as captain of Spain’s U17s.

Like any good striker worth his salt, Alcacer is a finisher graced with pace and strength. He has a poacher’s instinct that takes him in front of defenders at near posts, and gets him on the end of crosses at the far.

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Every element of that description perfectly fits what Mourinho wants from his main striker. He needs a target man who will combine with attacking midfielders such as Cesc Fabregas and Oscar, as well as wide forwards Willian and Andre Schurrle.

But Chelsea also need a striker who will stretch defences with quickness and clever movement. Alcacer proved he can do all of those things during last season's UEFA Europa League campaign.

He scored seven goals in 11 appearances in the competition, per ESPN FC. He is a player who looks primed to take a step up.

A move to one of the prime contenders for this season's Premier League title and the UEFA Champions League would certainly represent that.

However, Mourinho might not find it easy to fend off Arsenal's interest. As a bright young star, Alcacer will appeal to Gunners chief Arsene Wenger.

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Unlike Mourinho, the Frenchman is more willing to give potential a chance in the first team. Wenger has even been linked with a move for Alcacer earlier this year.

Back in March, Mirror writers John Cross and Neil Rowlands reported that the Gunners were extensively scouting the youthful Spaniard: "Arsenal boss Wenger has had the Spain Under-21 striker watched four times in the last month as he looks to strengthen his strike-force this summer."

But Wenger may have cooled on the idea of signing Alcacer since he signed former Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck on deadline day. Mourinho's rival also remains committed to the as-yet-unfulfilled potential of Yaya Sanogo.

Despite appearing to have an abundance of talent at the striker position, it's Chelsea who have the greater need for Alcacer. He would represent an excellent prospect for the future, as well as quality immediate cover in case injuries strike.

If Mourinho's smart, he'll move for one of Europe's best young stars in January.