Chelsea Transfer News: Harry Kane Move Urged by Paul Merson, Fresh Blues Rumours

Sky Sports pundit and former Premier League player Paul Merson has urged Chelsea to sign Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane and fund his capture with a complete revamp of their squad.

Writing in his column for the Daily Star, Merson stated:

"

They need to sign a striker to put pressure on Diego Costa, who’s been awful...

But imagine what having some real competition from a top-drawer centre-forward would do for him. That’s why I think they have got to go for Harry Kane.

Chelsea can’t sign Jamie Vardy. He’s 28. He’s done great this season but he’s not a Chelsea player.

But Kane would be a perfect fit. He’s big and strong, he scores goals and he’s got a football brain. He would fit right in at Chelsea.

"

The 22-year-old burst onto the scene in style last season as he racked up a phenomenal 31 goals in all competitions—11 more than Costa managed.

Per OptaJoe, the tally had added significance for Spurs:

Chelsea supporters in particular will be familiar with the youngster after his best performance of last season came in Spurs' 5-3 mauling of the Blues on New Year's Day, as he claimed two goals and two assists in a phenomenal display—one that Kane cited as giving him renewed confidence in his own ability.

While the England international lacks in electric pace, he more than makes up for with strength, relentless energy and excellent anticipation—which when combined with his clinical eye for goal make him a handful for defenders to deal with.

Kane is well on his way to proving he's more than a one-season wonder, having already found the net 10 times in this campaign.

Chelsea have struggled up front this year with Costa's form having long deserted him, while back-ups Radamel Falcao and Loic Remy have failed to take the few chances they've been given to inspire any sort of confidence.

Kane is the biggest star to emerge at Spurs since Gareth Bale, so the Lilywhites are understandably desperate to keep hold of him as they build toward an exciting future.

In order to land him, Merson suggested a clear-out of their current squad, and he did not mince his words when assessing some of the Blues' under-performing players. He said:

"

I would start by getting rid of Cesc Fabregas. He was brilliant when he first came back to England but hasn’t been good enough for months. They’ve been carrying him.

Then there’s John Obi Mikel. Doesn’t he want to play football? They’ve been trying to get rid of him for months but he’s still there picking up a cheque.

Radamel Falcao hasn’t worked either, that was a lazy signing in my opinion. He was the best centre forward in the world once but he’s a shadow of that player.

And Loic Remy should go too, he’s just not good enough to play in a top four team.

"

Indeed, with the possible exception of Fabregas, the players he mentioned are firmly on borrowed time. The Spaniard has been particularly disappointing this season, but unlike the others he has been a proven world-class talent in his career and so is probably worth sticking by a little longer.

Rui Vieira/Associated Press

Nevertheless, it's clear that fresh talent is needed at Stamford Bridge, up front in particular.

Another possible forward option is Marseille's Michy Batshuayi. Unfortunately for Chelsea, according to Italian outlet Calciomercato (h/t Football Italia) they are just one of a number of clubs interested in the 22-year-old, with Arsenal, Spurs, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Roma all having thrown their hats into the ring.

Claude Paris/Associated Press

The Belgian is enjoying an outstanding season with the Ligue 1 side and has notched 13 goals and five assists already.

Football writer Matt Spiro recently stated he believes the striker has great potential and places him alongside the illustrious Paris Saint-Germain duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Edison Cavani:

The dynamic forward, like Kane, would be an excellent long-term acquisition for the Blues and something of a coup given the widespread interest he's attracted.

It's clear Chelsea need something approaching an overhaul of their squad and more recruitment for both the first team and the squad as a whole is required. The difficulty will be making significant headway in January as the likes of Kane and Batshuayi won't be likely to move until the summer at the very least.