It is no secret that Chelsea have been looking to sign a target man during this transfer window. They have been laughed at for their supposed interest in Andy Carroll and Peter Crouch, among others. According to reports today, there’s another striker that they are being linked to that would certainly raise some eyebrows at Stamford Bridge.
That player is Islam Slimani, who has largely failed to impress during his time at Leicester City. He was signed on deadline day of the 2016 summer transfer window for a staggering £30 million, and it’s probably safe to say that there is not a single Foxes fan who would say he justifies that price tag. However, he has some knowledge of the top flight, something that all the ludicrous Chelsea targets have in common. Indeed, the Blues have reportedly made an enquiry for the 29-year-old.
While Edin Dzeko is the current favourite to make the move to West London, Slimani wouldn’t necessarily be a bad player as back-up for their leading goal scorer. Like Morata, the Algerian is fantastic in the air inside the penalty area, with six of his 13 Leicester goals coming from his head. This would mean that in any potential absence of Morata, Antonio Conte wouldn’t have to alter his game plan.
There are many doubts about the footwork of Slimani, who seems very uncomfortable with the ball at his feet. He often resembles someone who has little footballing experience, something that would need instantly addressing at Cobham. He also has a bit of nasty streak, which is one of the rumours as to why he hasn’t got on so well in the East Midlands.
He was signed by former Chelsea boss Claudio Ranieri during his time at Leicester, but he was never seen as the main attacking option despite his huge price tag. Now that the charming Italian has left, the 29-year-old is even further down the pecking order behind Jamie Vardy, Shinji Okazaki and Kelechi Iheanacho.
He would be available much cheaper than the amount paid by the 2015/16 champions. It is it is understood that they are demanding at least £20 million, which there will probably be some movement on if a formal bid was to be made. The ex-Sporting Lisbon frontman certainly has the potential to be a good second-choice striker but for the money, Chelsea could definitely do better.
