Chelsea Transfer News: Blues Target Jonathan Calleri, Latest Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly considering a January pursuit of Boca Juniors striker Jonathan Calleri as they bid to add attacking reinforcements to their squad.

That's according to ESPC FC's Peter O'Rourke, who noted the Blues scouted the highly coveted youngster in Boca's recent friendly defeat to Mexico's Puebla FC.

As Squawka Football highlighted, Chelsea have enjoyed a strong year in front of goal:

However, the vast majority of those came in the latter half of last season's title-winning campaign. The Blues have scraped together just 16 goals from their 12 Premier League showings this term and none of their players have accrued more than two strikes apiece in the league.

Calleri is enjoying a magnificent year having racked up 22 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, and the 22-year-old's technical ability and eye for goal could provide a timely injection into Chelsea's ailing season.

A move for the Argentinian would of course be a gamble as he is completely untested in European football, but if the Blues continue to scout him and remain convinced of his ability to contribute to the cause, then he could be a shrewd acquisition. 

Boca will be reluctant to part with their young star, but the lure of the Premier League could prove too much for the forward.

VI-Images/Getty Images

Fenerbahce, who are similarly reticent to lose reported Chelsea target Robin van Persie, might begrudgingly allow the Dutchman to leave the club if his suitors are willing to pay the right price.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes (h/t Metro's Mark Brus), the Turkish club hope to keep the striker in Istanbul but could sell him for £9.1 million.

Van Persie left for Turkey after prolific spells with Manchester United and Arsenal, so the 32-year-old is not only an experienced head, but a proven Premier League goalscorer.

WhoScored.com shared his impressive stats:

However, he managed just 10 goals last season, and his total of five for his new club should be taken with a pinch of salt given the step down in standard of opposition in Turkey. Dutch football expert Peter McVitie believes Van Persie has seriously declined following the 2014 World Cup:

Van Persie might have been a useful back-up if snapped up on a low-risk free transfer, but for £9.1 million, Chelsea would be much better off pursuing younger options such as Calleri.

Don't expect Van Persie to be running out at Stamford Bridge any time soon.