Chelsea have had no problem splashing the cash in recent years, and that’s something the club needs to continue doing in January to fix one consistent problem.
While much has been said about the goalkeeping situation at Stamford Bridge, the Blues have yet to properly address the issue at the other end of the pitch.
Chelsea have lacked an out-and-out goalscorer to lead the line since Diego Costa departed the club, and everyone who has attempted to replace him has failed.
Chelsea brought in Liam Delap and Joao Pedro during the summer transfer window, but that hasn’t been a true solution to the issue.
Pedro operates best in a number 10 position, while Delap has dealt with injuries and is still a young player far from the finished article.
If Enzo Maresca wants to take the club to the next level, he needs a proven goalscorer, and one potential target could be ready for a return to the Premier League this winter.
Chelsea should ditch their transfer plan and sign Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney would tick the boxes that Chelsea are looking for in a striker, as he is a proven commodity in the Premier League who knows where the back of the net is.
Toney left Brentford in 2024 to join Al Ahli and has been playing in the Saudi Pro League ever since.
In his debut season, the club secured the AFC Champions League Elite title, and he has also enjoyed considerable individual success in Saudi Arabia, scoring 38 times.
Of course, signing Toney would go against the transfer policy that Chelsea have set out in recent years of signing young players who can develop and grow.
However, Toney could be worth taking that gamble on, and at 29, he’s still got plenty of years left ahead of him if he continues to stay fit.
Toney scored 36 goals in the Premier League during his spell at Brentford, and his speed and power would be a great mix in this current Chelsea team due to all the creative players within the squad.
Chelsea need more quality in this area of the pitch if they want to compete with the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal, which is why bringing someone in during January could be the right move, fixing the issue immediately.
A Premier League move would benefit former Tottenham Hotspur target, Toney
While signing Toney would bring obvious positives from a Chelsea perspective, it would also be beneficial for him.
With this being a World Cup year, the chance to earn a place in the England squad will likely be high on Toney’s list of individual goals.
The 29-year-old hasn’t been selected for Thomas Tuchel’s current squad, but with the Three Lions’ upfront depth lacking, a move back to the Premier League could remind everyone of his qualities.
A move to a top Premier League team who are competing for silverware would also give Toney an opportunity he never had during his time at Brentford.