Chelsea Up Against Arsenal, Liverpool & United For Balotelli?

With Didier Drogba spending too many periods of time out and Nicolas Anelka not exactly prolific as the covering man, rumour has it Chelsea are on the look out for a new striker and their search seems to have them on Jose Mourinho’s doorstep.

Recent reports suggest Chelsea have their eye on Italy Under-21 star Mario Balotelli. Balotelli is considered one of the most exciting young talents in Europe and is highly rated by his Inter Milan boss. However, he was previously touted as a possible makeweight during Mourinho’s pursuit of Frank Lampard and is currently in a contract dispute with Inter, so a move could still be on the cards.

The Palermo-born striker is said to have a ‘killer instinct’ for goal and his height (6ft 2) and physique could be the perfect combination for Premier League football, although at just 18, he clearly lacks first team experience at the top level.

Balotelli madehis Inter debut in December, coming on as a last minute substitution and his full debut 3 days later saw him score 2 goals in the Coppa Italia. Since then, he’s bagged 7 goals in 18 games (13 starts), however, despite signing a new contract until 2011, speculation around his long-term future remains. For a start, the improved deal is not thought to be significant enough given the contribution he could make and reports also suggest that even as an 18 year old playing at one of the biggest clubs in Europe, Balotelli is seeking the assurance of first-team football. He’s featured 4 times for Mourinho so far this season, starting 2 of those games and the links with Premier League clubs continue in the press.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United are all reported to have had a look at Balotelli with a view to a move and it goes without saying Chelsea, with their lack of depth highlighted in Drogba’s absence, would also get a mention.

Needless to say Man City will get a bid in ahead of the lot of us then!