Thursday 22 June 2017

Robert Lewandowski a perfect replacement for Diego Costa at Chelsea

Since the final whistle blew on Chelsea's 2016-17 campaign, barely a day has gone by without an eye-catching story regarding the club's striker department.
Diego Costa's uncertain future at Stamford Bridge has been thrown into stark relief with his revelation that Antonio Conte had sent him a text message that stated that he was no longer wanted. Michy Batshuayi also wasted little time in issuing his own verdict on a stuttering debut season in England by asserting that he is not prepared to be a bit-part player in a World Cup year. 
Meanwhile, the background music to all this has been the constant chatter that Chelsea and Everton's Romelu Lukaku were gravitating inescapably towards each other in a deal that could set a new world transfer record.
The latest rumour, if it is to be believed, might now significantly alter those negotiations. Reports in the English press have suggested that Chelsea are among those interested in signing Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski; with the striker having supposedly fallen out with manager Carlo Ancelotti. For their part, Bayern have been quick to dismiss the story and have threatened to report any illegal approaches to FIFA. But with the rumour having been sparked by comments from the player's agents, there is every chance that the player himself is disaffected by life in Bavaria and a departure from the German champions could well be on the cards.
If there is any truth in it, pursuing Lewandowski would appear to be a no-brainer for Chelsea. Costa's departure will leave a hole that is extremely difficult to fill with none of the potential replacements mentioned to date -- Lukaku included -- seemingly suited to replicate the Spanish international's all-round game. Lewandowski, however, would not only tick all the boxes required by a Chelsea front man but would actually represent an upgrade over Costa.
The Polish hitman can lead the line in the manner of a traditional centre-forward and can occupy defenders with his physique and excellent close control. He runs the channels a little less than Costa but offsets that by being a natural goalscorer that has been prolific for every team he has played for and at every level he has competed. His 151 goals in 227 Bundesliga games for Bayern and Borussia Dortmund is augmented by 40 in 61 Champions league outings and 46 goals in 87 appearances for Poland. If Conte wants somebody who all but guarantees goals, Lewandowski certainly fits the bill.
An approach for the Bayern centre-forward would mean a change in policy regarding recruitment. Although David Luiz was 29 when he was brought back to the club last summer, the tendency has been to buy younger players with the capacity to develop even further over the course of many years while retaining significant resale value. Lewandowski will be 29 in August and signed fresh terms with Bayern in December so any transfer is likely to necessitate a fee upwards of £70 million.
With Lukaku more than four years his junior at 24, viewed as the long-term option and likely to cost less than £100m, an approach for Lewandowski might not appear to represent great value. Unlike the Belgian, however, there are no questions around his ability to perform on the biggest of stages. He might therefore be regarded as having a greater chance of having an instant impact next season, especially in the Champions League, the competition coveted by both Conte and club owner Roman Abramovich.
Normally, the purchase of a big-name player with a huge price tag would suggest that those graduating from the development squads would be frozen out of the picture. But Lewandowski's advancing years might just signal otherwise, as he might just occupy the role for a short period of time, giving hope to those youngsters dreaming of firing Chelsea to silverware as they develop their games elsewhere.
Tammy Abraham is the standout prospect in this regard. A similarly muscular centre-forward, he was prolific for Chelsea throughout the age groups before carrying on his form while on loan at Bristol City by scoring 23 goals in the EFL Championship last season. Currently leading the line for England's Under-21s at the European Championships in Poland, he has just agreed to a season-long loan to Swansea City. The Welsh side are managed by Paul Clement, Abraham's former coach at the Chelsea Academy, meaning that his education will continue in a familiar and appropriate manner. He will also be able to learn the art of centre-forward play from Fernando Llorente, a target for Chelsea during the winter transfer window.
Just 19, he will have known that his chances of appearing for the Chelsea first-team next season would be incredibly slim. But prove himself in the top flight over a year or two with another club, then Abraham might just become the rightful heir to an ageing Lewandowski at the tip of Chelsea's attack.

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