One young centre-forward would likely welcome a move to Chelsea during this transfer window.
Chelsea could sign a new striker this month amid Nicolas Jackson’s recent struggles in front of goal and Christopher Nkunku’s uncertain future.
Jackson has scored just once in his last seven outings, while Nkunku is being linked with a move to Bayern Munich.
If Nkunku goes on to depart, you would expect Chelsea to bring in a No.9. And one name that they have been looking at is PSV Eindhoven’s Ricardo Pepi.
- READ MORE: Christopher Nkunku now fears Enzo Maresca could ruin his dream as he pushes for Chelsea exit
Ricardo Pepi grew up supporting Chelsea
In November, it was reported that Chelsea had been monitoring Pepi, who may not need too much convincing to join Enzo Maresca‘s side.
In a recent interview, the 22-year-old revealed that Chelsea were one of the clubs he grew up supporting and that he wants to play in the Premier League one day.
Speaking to Voetbal International, Pepi said: “When I was young, I was a Chelsea fan. I was a Real Madrid supporter, but when I was young, our shirts always looked like Chelsea’s. Our team was the lions and they have that in their logo, that’s why. But Real Madrid was it for me, because of the club and [Cristiano] Ronaldo.
“Ultimately, I think every player wants to play in the Premier League at some point. It is the best competition. Quite physical. Spain also seems nice to me, because in La Liga, most clubs, like PSV, rely on ball possession. It is something for later, I still have enough ambitions with PSV.”
Another striker who is on Chelsea’s radar is Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap. It has been claimed that Chelsea spoke to Ipswich this week about signing Delap.
Jozy Altidore gives Ricardo Pepi advice
Pepi has been in great form for PSV this season, scoring 16 goals in all competitions.
It has seen him earn praise from one famous American footballer, Jozy Altidore, who has made 115 appearances for the USA national team.
Speaking to Goal about Pepi, the former Sunderland striker said: “I don’t know Pepi’s upbringing, but the way he plays, I can tell that boy is hungry. I can see he’s a hungry guy and he wants to bring his family [up] and retire them too.”
He also had some advice for him, saying: “If you want to go to a big club [one day], make a footballing decision. If you want to retire your family, make a money decision. If you want to ultimately end up at a big club, maybe go to another very good club for now.”
While Pepi is undoubtedly having a bright campaign under Peter Bosz, Chelsea fans will want someone more experienced and proven than the former Augsburg man.
Until they get that, there are going to be concerns about this team, who have just not been clinical enough lately.
Jackson has to take some responsibility for that, being Chelsea’s leading striker. One goal in seven games is not going to help Maresca’s side get to where they want to be. Pepi, though, may not be the solution as he continues to establish himself in the game.
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