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Premier League: Five free agent strikers Chelsea can sign after Nico Jackson’s injury

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Premier League: Five free agent strikers Chelsea can sign after Nico Jackson’s injury
Premier League: Five free agent strikers Chelsea can sign after Nico Jackson’s injury

New Delhi: Premier League side Chelsea, were dealt a huge blow in the race for Europe last night, after it was reported that striker Nico Jackson will be sidelined at least till April following a hamstring issue. Jackson has been Chelsea’s leading man since joining the club at the start of the 2023/24 season and started the current season on fire. The 23-year-old was on top form till December of this campaign, netting nine goals for the club in the league. He is the club’s second highest goal scorer in the league, behind Cole Palmer and is an integral part of Enzo Maresca’s system given his off the ball movement and pressing abilities.

Despite not scoring since December, Jackson was a vital player in the squad but lacked an able backup. The club were crying out for a proper backup to Jackson but didn’t sign anyone during the January transfer window, remaining content with Jackson and 19-year-old Marc Guiu as their striking options. Unfortunately for them, both Jackson and Guiu suffered injuries during Chelsea’s win over West Ham on transfer deadline day, ruling them both out for an extended period of time and leaving Enzo Maresca with no striker to lead the line.

The club recalled David Datro Fofana from loan but that was due to a knee injury suffered by the Ivorian which rules him out till next season. Youngster Deivid Washington has barely been given a look-in and was sparingly used by the reserve squad while Christopher Nkunku, who will probably lead the line, is not an effective striker. Here’s a look at five free agent strikers the club can turn to, if they want, as a stop gap option till the end of the season.

5) Kévin Gameiro

French veteran striker Kévin Gameiro hasn’t officially announced his retirement which still means that he remains a free agent as of this writing. The 37-year-old is a seasoned veteran of the game with spells across France and Spain. He has played for giants like PSG, Atletico Madrid and Sevilla, with his most recent spell being at Chelsea’s sister club RC Strasbourg. Gameiro left the BlueCo owned side at the end of last season and hasn’t signed with anyone since. With almost 250 goals to his name, Gameiro can be a great stop gap option who can lead the line and also provide some much needed experience to such a young Chelsea squad. He can also act as a mentor for both Jackson and Guiu and help them with their finishing given his prowess in the field.

4) Gyasi Zardes

The former USA international has been a legend in MLS and has represented multiple MLS sides like LA Galaxy, Columbus Crew and most recently, Austin FC. Gyasi Zardes has shown his skill in the USA and if he replicate that in England, he could be a solid short-term solution for the Blues. With 114 MLS goals to his name, the 33-year-old brings experience, versatility, and a proven eye for goal. His pace and movement could complement Chelsea’s attacking setup, especially as they struggle with finishing in key moments. While not a marquee signing, Zardes’ work rate and ability to poach goals could prove useful in Chelsea’s push for a top four finish.

3) Maxi Gomez

The youngest viable option available in the free agent market right now is Uruguayan striker Maxi Gomez. At 28-years-old, Gomez still has plenty of years left to his name and he could be a viable option for Chelsea. The striker has spent most of his career playing in Spain for the likes of Valencia and Celta Vigo and has over 130 goal involvements to his name. He has even represented Uruguay on 32 different occasions, that is despite competing with names like Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani for a starting spot. While his most recent spell at Cadiz didn’t do according to plan, he still represents a solid option for Enzo Maresca’s side.

2) Diego Costa

Bringing back former striker Diego Costa to Chelsea would certainly be a welcome sight for any Chelsea fan. The Spaniard spent three fruitful years at Chelsea, powering the club to two league titles during his time at the club, with those being the last ones the club have won till date. Costa is a modern day Chelsea legend and the best striker the club have had since Didier Drogba and the Blues have failed to replace him properly. The now 37-year-old scored 59 goals and assisted 21 more in just 120 games for the club and can be a useful squad option. He can help be a mentor to this young Chelsea squad and help them add the fight and zeal needed in a player to push for silverware.

1) Wissam Ben Yedder

Arguably the best available striker on the market is former AS Monaco star Wissam Ben Yedder. The French International has spent most of his career in France, barring a spell in Spain with Sevilla. He left Monaco at the end of last season, scoring 16 and assisting two more in the campaign as he became the club’s second highest goal scorer of all time and is regarded as the club’s greatest Ligue 1 player. He left the club following off-field troubles with court cases in the country but is still eligible to represent any side. If Chelsea can tie up a short team deal with the forward till the end of the season, it could be a vital boost for the club in their push for Europe as Ben Yedder would fit in well in Maresca’s system.

 Chelsea were dealt a huge blow in the race for Europe after it was reported that striker Nico Jackson will be sidelined at least till April following a hamstring issue, leaving the club without a starting striker.  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today

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