Is Chelsea’s Hunt For a Striker Set to Continue?

Despite protestations from inside the club when it comes to transfer activity in January, Chelsea are being linked with a host of strikers to boost their attacking options.

Didier Drogba has spent the majority of this season out so far and with Anelka’s capabilities continuing to raise questions even with a 14 goal return so far, Chelsea are being linked with CSKA Moscow’s Vagner Love, Napoli’s Ezequiel Lavezzi and Wigan Athletic’s on-loan Amr Zaki.

Vagner Love however has committed his immediate future to CSKA, stating: “At the moment there are no offers, so I’m staying. My deal runs until summer 2010. I’m not thinking about an extension yet, but I’m 100 per cent happy at CSKA.''

 

''I’m clearly disappointed by finishing second, if we had won the title I would have been totally happy. I’ll try to achieve more next season in terms of both my personal performance and team results. I want more trophies.”

The Lavezzi link meanwhile seems to be more about getting himself an improved contract where he is currently playing. The Napoli striker’s performances have won him an international call-up plus the attention of a few clubs around Europe.

 

As a result of this, Lavezzi’s agent is pushing for improved terms for his client, although Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis insists “Lavezzi will remain with us until 2013 and then we will see.  Whoever is on my side is fine.  Those who are not can go to England. I will find another 10 players like them.”

Not to be beaten though, Lavezzi’s agent suggests “I am certain we will find an agreement with De Laurentiis, who is an intelligent person. It’s true that the player wants to remain at Napoli and that is why we are willing to turn down offers of five and six million euros. If Napoli change their mind, it will not be a problem and we will find another path.”

So, with them playing silly buggers, it’s on to Amr Zaki. The Egyptian international has apparently caught Scolari’s eye during an impressive season on loan for Wigan so far.

 

Zaki’s club, El Zamalek have suggested they’ll sell him to the highest bidder as long as they receive sufficient compensation for the five months remaining on his Wigan contract. Mind you, with Liverpool and Real Madrid also rumoured to have their eye on him, where he’ll end up is anyone’s guess.

So is it back to the drawing board for the press then?