Ranking Chelsea's transfer options after devastating Broja injury

Suraj Radia

• 14 Dec 2022 08:20 CST
• 3 min read

Chelsea have been hit with the devastating news that striker Armando Broja will miss the remainder of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in a recent friendly.

The news leaves the Blues woefully short-handed up front, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the only fit recognised senior striker available to Graham Potter.

With Chelsea still competing in the Champions League and for a place in the Premier League top four, the club have indicated they will look to bring in a striker in January.

FootballTransfers ranks the potential options who could fill in for Broja at Stamford Bridge.

READ MORE: Why Chelsea could turn to fringe players after Broja injury

1. Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

The number one target for Chelsea should undoubtedly be Dusan Vlahovic, with the 22-year-old potentially on course to leave Juventus following their latest financial scandal.

Vlahovic is also being tracked by Arsenal, who tried to sign the Serbian before he joined Juventus in January but the Gunners are focused on Mykhaylo Mudryk this winter, meaning Chelsea could have a clear run at one of the top strikers in world football.

TALKS: Chelsea in touch with Arsenal target Vlahovic

2. Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)

Chelsea are already believed to have agreed a deal to sign Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig next summer for his reported release clause of €60 million and beating a host of Europe’s top clubs in the process.

While there has been no indication that Leipzig would be willing to let one of their key figures leave mid-season, negotiating with the Bundesliga side to fast track the arrival of a player who has already been scouted and approved of could be the simplest play for Chelsea to solve their striker issues.

3. Ivan Toney (Brentford)

Should Chelsea want a ready-made replacement for Broja as well as someone with a proven track record of scoring goals in the Premier League, Brentford’s Ivan Toney should be considered a no-brainer.

The 26-year-old could be keen to leave Brentford after missing out on a place in England’s World Cup squad despite scoring 22 goals since the start of last season, although the Bees may not be willing to sell their star striker mid-season with relegation still a possibility.

4. Youssoufa Moukoko (Dortmund)

Dortmund wonderkid Youssoufa Moukoko has been touted as a star of the future and Chelsea are thought to be pushing hard to sign the 18-year-old, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

However, Moukoko has hinted that he could still sign an extension with Dortmund, while the German side may prefer to gamble and keep him until the end of the season instead of cashing in on him in January.

5. Romelu Lukaku (Inter)

Although many thought his bridges were burned with Chelsea, Romelu Lukaku could be given one more opportunity to save his career with the Blues, having disappointed while on loan at Inter this season.

The Belgian was a £99.5m signing last summer but returned to Inter on loan after a dismal season with Chelsea, but after struggling with fitness and form in Serie A this year, the Blues could recall Lukaku to bolster their numbers up front.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo (unattached)

A name that simply cannot be ruled out for Chelsea is that of Cristiano Ronaldo, with the 37-year old a free agent after leaving Manchester United in controversial fashion earlier this month.

While there are doubts over his ability to play at the top level, owner Todd Boehly is a fan and was desperate to bring Ronaldo to the club in the summer and a short-term deal could be a low-risk move, while also bringing in a player who will be motivated to prove his doubters wrong.