Fernando Torres: 5 Reasons Chelsea Should Sell

Despite getting on the score sheet, Fernando Torres' woes continued on Saturday as he was sent off in the first half against Swansea City for a two-legged challenge on Mark Gower.

Things have not gone well for "El Nino" since his arrival at Stamford Bridge.

After leaving Liverpool to become the most expensive player in Premier League transfer history, the Spanish striker has notched just three goals in 25 games, making things very difficult for Chelsea as all the trust has to be put in his partner Didier Drogba.

He has become an expensive liability at Chelsea, so much so that the best option for Roman Abromovich and company may be to sell him while they can.

There are several reasons that this could be the best option.

His Value Will Only Continue to Drop

According to transfermarkt.de, a website that specializes in everything involving football transfers, Fernando Torres is currently rated at €42 million.

He is a talented player to be sure. No one loses it all overnight. However, as time goes on and his form continues to show no signs of recovery, that number may only go down.

Chelsea shattered the Premier League record for most expensive player when they paid €57.3 million for his services from Liverpool.

For that sort of money, most clubs would be hoping for a better return on their investment than three goals in 25 matches.

Unfortunately for the Blues, that's what he's given them.

If Torres doesn't improve by January, the club should seriously consider putting him on the market. The risks of losing so much money and getting nothing back for it are too dire in this day in age.

Interest from Other Clubs

Despite his terrible play, there are reports that some clubs are interested in the 27 year-old.

According to multiple sources, AC Milan are once again interested in Torres and could be ready to work something out in the winter.

What's more is that the deal would include Robinho going to Chelsea. Despite the fact that some consider his time at Milan to be disappointing, Robinho has been spectacular, scoring 14 goals in his first season.

Even if it is just a straight swap of players, getting a fantastic striker who has already proven himself in the Premier League would be a great move for Chelsea.

There may very well be other teams interested and the club will be able to shop Torres around.

Holding Chelsea Back

There's no doubt that Chelsea could be much better without Fernando Torres.

For some reason, Andre Villas-Boas is extremely optimistic that Torres will suddenly go all Sergio Aguero on somebody and just dominate defenses as he once did.

That doesn't seem likely while he's at Chelsea.

Torres is feeling the pressure and can't find the net at any cost. He showed brilliance to get past David De Gea to go one-on-one with an open net against Manchester United, but the big net won as Torres shot wide, missing a golden chance to put the Blues back in against their rivals.

The dropped points could come back to hurt Chelsea, who are one of the teams considered a threat for the title in England.

Chelsea have a lot to play for this year, and with Torres on the front line next to Drogba, its not likely to be a successful year. If Chelsea can find someone to play along side their Ivorian hero, then their chances increase.

Younger Players Can Ready to Become the Next Drogba

As just mentioned, Chelsea need to find a better strike partner for Torres.

They don't need to spend anything to find one.

Nicolas Anelka may be getting on in years, but he still has the quality to get on the score sheet. The 32 year-old has extreme class in front of the net and is a threat to score every time he takes the pitch.

The club also brought in teenage wonder Romelu Lukaku this season. The 18 year-old has shown extreme promise and has quickly earned time on the pitch.

However, the time may be close at hand for youngster Daniel Sturridge to rise to the moment.

The 22 year-old has seen time across the competitions this season for Villas-Boas and after showing a lot of promise on loan at Bolton last season, he could have the opportunity to be the next big thing at Stamford Bridge.

Whether they end up selling Torres or not and if they do and fail to get a player in return, Daniel Sturridge provides a great opportunity to help the Blues get some goals.

Chance for Andre Villas-Boas to Flex His Muscles

At only 33, Andre Villas-Boas is quickly becoming one of the greatest names in football.

Despite never playing professionally and being so young, Villas-Boas was able to manage Porto to Portuguese history and European glory last season by going unbeaten in the Portuguese Liga and winning the UEFA Europa League.

His triumphs led Chelsea to name him their manager this summer.

He had a good first market while in charge of the London club, as he brought in Romelu Lukaku, Juan Mata and Raul Meireles, but now he needs to show he means business.

It seems as though Villas-Boas feels the need to play the €57 million man due to his price tag, though I'm sure the fans would thank him if he didn't.

With better options on the bench and available targets worldwide, Villas-Boas needs to realize that Torres is holding his new club back. He must show his commitment to making Chelsea the best they can be: a championship team.

Working with Abromovich to sell Torres would show the world that Villas-Boas, despite his age and inexperience, is not someone to be messed with. It would be a huge power move.