Chelsea Transfer News: Mixed Feelings About Romelu Lukaku Signing

We’ve all heard the news by now, Romelu Lukaku is a Chelsea player.

Overall, I’m pleased with his signing, but have mixed feelings about his arrival. First, let’s look at what Lukaku could bring to the Chelsea squad.

Lukaku has been a prolific goal scorer for Anderlecht, having contributed an impressive 41 goals and 14 assists in 98 appearances for the Belgian club. He is gifted with outstanding physical attributes, stands tall and strong, yet manages to move at a blistering pace.

Looking at these characteristics, any team or fan would be foolish not to get somewhat excited over this player.  He will bring more speed and goal threat to Chelsea’s forward line and could gradually learn to step into Didier Drogba’s shoes once the big Ivorian retires or leaves the club.

Another positive factor is that Lukaku’s long time dream has been to play for Chelsea. For that reason, you can expect him to be committed and give 100 percent to the club.

Contrary to some analysts' reports, I don’t see him as surplus in the squad. Chelsea has a lot of strikers in the roster, but only two real center forwards in Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres. Based on preseason matches, AVB seems keen on playing a combination of Malouda, Anelka, Kalou, Sturridge on the flanks and deploying either Drogba or Torres as lone striker down the middle. This means Lukaku will be third choice striker and I expect he will get a decent amount of game time in his first season, knowing that Chelsea will be involved in four major tournaments.

With that said here is why I have mixed feelings about his signing. Lukaku will be a great squad player this season and has the potential to become a world-class striker for many years to come. However, he does not address the clear current deficiencies in the squad.

Chelsea’s squad has been lacking creativity both in midfield and upfront since Robben’s departure. You don't have to be a football expert to realize that. Early signs from the transfer market were positive, as Chelsea were linked with players like Pastore, Sanchez, Neymar, Aguero, Modric and Hazard. These players would have addressed the current blatant lack of pace and creativity within the squad.

Instead, the club has bolstered an area that is not the most deficient right now. From what I have seen, Lukaku is not a very technical striker. He is much more Andy Carrol than Luis Suarez and what Chelsea needs right now is a Suarez.

For the strikers to bang goals in they need appropriate service. Players like Torres don’t lost their talent overnight, they need teammates that are able to play the killer pass to them. Fortunately, the transfer market is still open for another 20 days or so. Hopefully Chelsea brings in at least one creative and tricky forward, with the ability to play on either flank or as a support striker, along with a playmaker.

Aguero was a perfect match for that role, but now that he’s gone, Eden Hazard could be the man for the job—much like David Silva does for City and Nasri for Arsenal. These are all players capable of playing on either wing, behind a striker or through central midfield.

Sneijder would have been my No. 1 choice for the playmaker role and Pastore my second. However, with neither of them likely to move to the Bridge, Modric seems to be the obvious choice.

Let’s hope somebody at the club is working hard to make these deals happen.

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