4 strikers Chelsea should target this summer

An important part of the puzzle that has been missing for Maurizio Sarri has been the presence of an excellent striking option to rely on. A forward with good link-up play and positional versatility is key to the Italian's philosophy, as evidenced by the role Dries Mertens played under him at Napoli.

Álvaro Morata's struggles in west London have been well-documented over the past 18 months despite an encouraging start to life in England's top-flight. The Blues have looked to address this problem by signing Higuain, who after a poor start to the 2018/19 campaign, is aiming to emulate his record-breaking form under Sarri at Napoli in 15/16. However, Chelsea should still be searching for a long-term option to buy on a permanent basis in the summer to suit their goalscoring needs.

There are a number of impressive strikers across Europe eager to grab an opportunity centre-stage at a team like Chelsea, utilising their talented midfielders to devastating effect in the final third. With that in mind, here's a look at four forwards that the Blues should target:

#4 Arkadiusz Milik (Napoli)

Milik has been impressive, despite injury issues, with Sarri's former side Napoli

Having broken out on the scene as a promising youngster for Poland at Euro 2016, Milik has gone on to display glimpses of world-class potential but so far struggled to assert his mark after lengthy absences through knee ligament injuries over the past two seasons.

This season, that has all changed. The 24-year-old has netted 12 goals and created one assist in 21 league appearances under Carlo Ancelotti's guidance. A strong runner with the ball, he packs a powerful shot, provides an aerial threat and can score headers too given his 6ft 4in frame.

As the competition for Poland's frontline intensifies with Bayern's Robert Lewandowski a sure starter and Milan's Krzysztof Piatek in spectacular goalscoring form in Italy's top tier, he would be eager to take the Premier League by storm - succeeding Higuain once more in the process - while proving his quality on a tougher stage after stints at Augsburg, Bayer Leverkusen and Ajax before Naples came calling in 2016.

#3 Callum Wilson (AFC Bournemouth)

Wilson, also plagued by severe injuries in the past, has emerged as one of Bournemouth's best players

Callum Wilson was frequently linked with a big-money Chelsea move last month, though a deal failed to materialise as clubs are often hesitant to complete significant deals during the winter window.

Although not many will consider him in the top tier bracket for strikers, he has displayed the quality to thrive in the Premier League. This season alone, he's netted 10 and created six assists in 21 matches under Eddie Howe at Bournemouth, a lot of which is due to their fast counter-attacking style of play which presents the forwards with chances aplenty.

Wilson is very quick, links up well across a front three and shows great instinct for finishing opportunities in-and-around the area. While probably not top of their striker shortlist, he could definitely interest Chelsea if he continues to show the good goalscoring form he has done until the end of the current campaign.

#2 Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)

Werner has long attracted attention from some of Europe's elite clubs

Timo Werner had enthralled audiences with his break-neck speed and lethal finishing during RB Leipzig's debut season in the Bundesliga. He has since gone on to become a regular starter at senior level for Germany, with the potential to lead the line for Die Mannschaft in the years to come - provided he stays fit and in-form.

Making intelligent runs in-behind opposition defenders with his blistering pace, he also helps off-the-ball by dragging markers away which in turn offers space for teammates to exploit.

Previously utilised as a winger during his tenure at VfB Stuttgart given his speed, he was also a key creative outlet for Leipzig in their breakthrough campaign - where he demonstrated the versatility to play in a multitude of attacking positions. With great link-up play allowing him to combine alongside Yussuf Poulsen and Emil Forsberg during his time at Leipzig, there's no reason why a big-money move isn't on the horizons soon for the 22-year-old.

During an interview with FourFourTwo last year, Werner discussed his desire to play in the Premier League and understandably wishes to take his career to the next level. Whether Chelsea grants him the opportunity to do so remains to be seen, though he's certainly a quality player and a long-term investment too.

#1 Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan)

Icardi has been in the news again recently, after being stripped of the captaincy last week

Although notorious off-the-field for various incidents in recent seasons, there's no doubts about the quality Mauro Icardi possesses on the pitch. Consistently in the top goalscoring charts for Inter Milan in Serie A, the Argentine has netted 15 goals and created three more across all competitions (28 games played) this term.

Blessed with a predatory instinct inside the area, he's known for feeding off very few opportunities and crucially making them count. He's also a good header of the ball and is quick in transition too.

Chelsea desperately need an authoritative striker who isn't just a good finisher, but can also combine well with their most creative player - Eden Hazard. Icardi has displayed this ability through his link-up play alongside Ivan Perisic in recent seasons.

In addition to the signal of intent it'd send across the league, signing a player of Icardi's calibre this summer could prove pivotal in seeing Hazard renew his contract in west London and finally rejecting Real Madrid's advances once-and-for-all.

Mauro's situation with Inter appears to worsen by the day as negotiations for a new contract have stalled between the club and his wife-and-agent Wanda Nara, which could lead him to angling for pastures new this upcoming summer.