Chelsea are considering a move for Burnley’s Ashley Barnes as they widen their search for a new frontman this month, according to reports.
The Blues are desperately in need of a new forward and have made enquiries for the likes of Andy Caroll, Fernando Llorente, Peter Crouch and Edin Dzeko in recent weeks.
Chelsea’s first-choice striker Alvaro Morata has not scored a single goal during his last six games, which has led to Antonio Conte admitting that the Spaniard has lost confidence in front of goal. The Italian is reportedly worried that Morata and Michy Batshuayi cannot battle for the ball long enough.
Barnes has so far scored four goals from 26 appearances this season for the Clarets, with most of his strikes coming off the bench. The 28-year-old has made only eight starts in the Premier League so far this season for Burnley, who are enjoying an impressive run in the top flight under Sean Dyche.
Conte desperate for short-term solution
Despite this, he does fit the type of short-term option that Conte is eyeing as he looks to bolster his attack for the second half of the season. A purported move for West Ham’s Carroll collapsed after the former Newcastle and Liverpool man suffered an ankle injury, which is likely to rule him out of action for the rest of the season.
In addition to this, football expert Guillem Balague has revealed that Tottenham rejected a loan approach from Chelsea for Llorente – who Conte originally attempted to sign from Swansea last summer but ended up losing out to Spurs.
Barnes is far from a world-class striker and he is likely to be tempted by a move to Chelsea as it will offer him the opportunity to play for one of England’s best sides. He will not, however, be a long-term option.
Header image: “Brighton v Spurs Amex Opening 30/7/11” (CC BY 2.0) by jamesboyes
