‘Becoming concrete’: Romano suggests Chelsea have now stepped up transfer plans following major update

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Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea are fully focused on signing a striker in January following the injury to Armando Broja.

The transfer guru typed on Twitter that acquiring a new forward ‘was already one of the possibilities discussed’ by Todd Boehly, but is now becoming concrete’ due to Broja’s devasting news.

It was confirmed yesterday that the young attacker will likely miss the rest of the season after rupturing a cruciate ligament in his knee.

The 21-year-old will require surgery to solve the heart wrenching problem, a process that will prevent him from returning to action for some time.

His long-term absence leaves Graham Potter with only one recognised number nine in the senior squad.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not been the ground breaking goal threat many Chelsea fans hoped for when he joined the club in the summer.

He has scored just three times since his move from Barcelona, with his last arriving over two months ago.

Kai Havertz is an option Potter might call-upon, having played through the middle on numerous occasions under Thomas Tuchel.

But aside from the German international and Aubameyang, that’s about it as far as front men go.

Who could replace Broja after his injury?

With the winter window right around the corner, Boehly and his team will surely be hurriedly scouring the market for alternatives to Broja.

Their search might get stuck however, as there aren’t many cheap options to move for at a relatively short notice.

Cristiano Ronaldo is a free agent, but the baggage he brings both financially and personally should be heavily considered.

Marcus Thuram’s contract expires in June, meaning Borussia Monchengladbach might be willing to let their centre-forward leave early.

Youssoufa Moukoko is another who’s deal is set to conclude next year, and Chelsea have already apparently stepped up their interest in the Borussia Dortmund teenager.

Can an 18-year-old really be relied on to push the Blues up the Premier League table, though?

This question, and many more, will be on Boehly’s mind as he plans what to do next in Broja’s absence.