Chelsea's goalscoring problems have been longstanding and only got worse in 2022/23. The Blues hold a negative goal difference despite having one of the better defensive records in the league and have netted just 36 times this season so far.
There has been a struggle to create opportunities in the correct places and some errant shooting to ensure the Blues have struggled to convert this term. It is perhaps no surprise that a No.9 is among Chelsea's priorities in the forthcoming transfer window.
Last summer, before a late deal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the west London side looked to centre their attack around the signing of Raheem Sterling. The England international joined in a £45million deal that could rise by a further £10million if a number of performance-related add-ons are met.
READ MORE: Frank Lampard must follow through with Chelsea plan ahead of Man City to aid Mauricio Pochettino
Few would describe the transfer as an outright success given Chelsea and Sterling's struggles but the 28-year-old has nevertheless become the Blues' top scorer so far with nine goals, and also provided four assists. It may not have taken much, but Chelsea were given a glimpse of what Sterling can offer in his second half outing against Nottingham Forest.
The former Liverpool and Man City winger has earned his way into the Premier League's 100-goal club but often done so with other players who could share the goalscoring burden. Luis Suarez and Sergio Aguero are not bad options to help draw some attention away.
Scott Trotter and Bobby Vincent discussed Sterling's future and how Chelsea completing the signing of a new forward, amid interest in Victor Osimhen could help last summer's signing thrive under Mauricio Pochettino.
Bobby said: "They want Victor Osimhen but I think about one thousand clubs do at the moment. There's nothing advanced but I heard about a month ago that Chelsea were very big admirers of him because why wouldn't you be? I think he's got 25-odd goals in Serie A this season and has massively helped Napoli in their title win. He's one of the hottest striker properties in the world at the moment and he's still fairly young.
"Chelsea want him but Napoli very much stubborn on their stance saying they don't want to sell. It doesn't necessarily mean they won't. Their president is a very difficult man to deal with in terms of transfers."
He added: "Osimhen is on Chelsea's radar and they do want a No.9. They've got Christopher Nkunku on the way but it remains to be seen where he will play. I guess judging by interest in Osimhen he won't be the go-to No.9. Chelsea definitely need someone, and I think you mentioned Sterling and easing the burden on him, if Chelsea can get a 25-30 goal season striker, it's easier said than done, it will lift the burden on Kai Havertz, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and that may then see a better return in goals."
football.london's Chelsea reporters further discussed the latest on Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea's goalkeeper situation, Nottingham Forest, what could happen against Manchester City and more on this week's View from the Bridge podcast.
Listen to the latest episode here.
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