Would Swansea’s Fernando Llorente boost Chelsea’s title credentials?

Add as preferred source on Google

With Michy Batshuayi left out in Diego Costa’s absence on Boxing Day, it may come as no surprise that the Sun claim that Antonio Conte is looking for a different kind of striker and a trusted face to act as his second choice striker with that man reportedly Swansea’s Fernando Llorente. The Spaniard worked with Antonio Conte in Juventus and the pair could now be reunited at Stamford Bridge if reports are to be believed.

Embed from Getty Images

What would he bring to Chelsea?

More than anything, Llorente would be a like for like replacement for Diego Costa. His physical power and aerial presence have already been shown with his six goals in 15 Premier League games for the Swans, and that’s something which Michy Batshuayi, current second choice striker, cannot offer. With Conte preferring to play Eden Hazard and Pedro with Willian in a three man attack without an out and out striker against Bournemouth with Costa suspended, he clearly lacks confidence in Batshuayi and Llorente could be the solution if the Blues want to loan the Belgian out.

Is a move likely?

Swansea would most likely be very reluctant to sell one of their best performers and their only reliable source of goals in recent weeks. However, Llorente would be unlikely to want to go from winning the Europa League with Sevilla to relegation to the Championship in just one year, so he may force a move. With 18 months left on his contract, it seems Swansea may be forced to sell if his wages are high and push their budget next season. He hasn’t seemed to mind being a back up choice in the past either, as he played that role for much of his time with Juventus and Seville. The link with Antonio Conte from their time in Turin could be pivotal.

Embed from Getty Images

Verdict

6/10 – This one could have legs. All of the obvious links are there, but critics could say that Llorente has not proven himself at such a high level. Having spent much of his time at Juventus on the bench, would Chelsea want to sign a player to repeat that duty with little room for resale value?

Featured Image: All rights reserved by Bola Mania.