The summer transfer window for Antonio Conte is not going as the Italian manager would have expected. Two weeks into the Premier League and just 10 days before the close of the transfer window, the Blues’ pursuit of Romelu Lukaku has fallen through, as Lukaku has decided to stay at Everton.
Chelsea's pursuit of the player has been well documented, with some even going on to claim that everything was in place for the transfer to be finalised. However, in a turn of events, the player has decided to stay at Everton which has left the Blues with no other option but to find a suitable alternative.
In what can be termed as a desperate move to find an established striker who would help Chelsea recover from last season’s disaster, the Blues' manager has identified Mario Mandzukic as a potential signing.
The Croatian striker joined Juventus last summer in a £16m move from Atletico Madrid and currently has a deal until the end of the 2019 season. Known for his goal-scoring ability as well as his strength, aerial prowess, and defensive contribution, Mandzukic will be a good addition to the squad.
Mandzukic is a physical and mobile striker who adds a lot to his side's balance with goal scoring ability and defensive contribution.
Bringing in the 30-year-old could prove to be an astute signing for the Blues as they will also be bringing in his experience. The Croatia International scored 13 in 36 appearances for Juventus last season, despite being restricted to a bit-part role over the course of the season.
With 181 goals in 411 appearances, the Croat would bring some much-needed depth to the Chelsea’s attacking unit.
The former Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg, and Dynamo Zagreb striker is reportedly available at £25m, which is just over one-third of the £68m that the Blues were reportedly ready to offer to the Merseyside club for Lukaku.
Gonzalo Higuain’s move to Juventus has pushed the striker further down the pecking order and this could help Chelsea's pursuit of the forward.
So far, the Blues have signed Michy Batshuayi and N’Golo Kante and have been constantly linked with the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly of Napoli and James Rodriguez from Real Madrid.
In what could become one of the high-profile transfers of the window, the London club are reported to be in advanced negotiations with Real Madrid to bring the Colombian James Rodriguez to the Stamford Bridge.
Despite several news agencies claiming that Chelsea are keen on the Croatian, it remains to be seen whether Mandzukic is keen on making the move.
The player will be the Italian manager’s third choice striker after Diego Costa and Michy Batshuayi, if he signs for Chelsea, or he could choose to stay put and fight for a starting spot at Juventus.
