Jamie Redknapp has urged Chelsea to sign a “striker that can guarantee goals” after their 1-0 defeat to Arsenal on Wednesday, naming Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland as the ideal addition.
Arsenal capitalised on an error from Jorginho to score the only goal of the game, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang teeing up Emile Smith Rowe.
Chelsea had a total of 19 shots as they attempted to get back in the game, but they could not find the back of the net.
Speaking after the match, Redknapp told Sky Sports that he felt the Chelsea are missing a striker who can “make that difference”.
He said: “They’ve got so many quality players but I still think [Chelsea need a new striker].
“[Timo] Werner’s done okay, he’s had assists and a few goals, [but] you just think with this team, if they were to get someone like a Haaland or a striker that can guarantee goals, what they could become.
“This has been their problem at times, scoring enough goals.
“They’ve got so much threat going forward, but [they are missing] that striker to make that difference at times.”
Former Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole, however, insists he is “happy with Werner” leading the line for the Blues next season.
“I always go back to the pre-season,” he said.
I really don’t think the team had a great pre-season in terms of covid, the stop-start, players catching covid so they’ve missed a big chunk of training.
“I think next season [it] will be great to see the team have a good pre-season, understand the style and philosophy of the manager and then hopefully really click and gel.
“This season, there’s been moments in games where they’ve been brilliant, they’ve been great to watch.
“So hopefully they can solidify that next season and come again stronger.
“Of course, you talk about Haaland, what quality he has but I’m happy with Werner thank you.”
Cole has previously called Werner “underrated”, saying earlier this month: “I really think he’s underrated. Yes he’s missed some big chances and opportunities.
“As a coach, as a manager, you always look to say ‘is he in the right spots, is he in the right positions to strike and convert them?’
“But I think the way [Thomas] Tuchel sets up and the way he wants them to play through the lines, combined with the diagonal passes, he’s pivotal in that role, running into the space and running into areas where Mason [Mount] can pick the ball up.”