According to Evening Standard, Antonio Conte has opened the door for a new striker to join Chelsea this summer after allowing Bertrand Traore to join Dutch side Ajax on a season long loan.
Traore enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in 2015/16 and was expected to be a back-up striker to Michy Batshuayi and Diego Costa this season. However, seeing him leave on loan has hinted towards Chelsea signing a new striker this summer.
Loic Remy is not pleased with how he has been treated at the club in last 12-18 months and is desperate to find a new club for himself.
With Remy’s expected departure Conte will be left with just two first choice strikers which is not ideal given the Italian manager loves to play a 3-5-2 system.
Who can be the options for Chelsea?
With Traore’s exit one thing is certain that Chelsea will sign a new striker but who will it be?
Romelu Lukaku (£65m) and Mauro Icardi (€64m) are the only viable options Chelsea can target in the remaining weeks of summer transfer window.
There have been reports of Chelsea getting annoyed with Lukaku due to constant delays from Everton’s side whilst leaving Icardi as the likeliest arrival at Stamford Bridge this summer.
According to Gazzetta, Chelsea are preparing a €40m + Oscar offer for Icardi which could force Inter Milan to sell their key striker.
With only 2 days to go for the new Premier League season, Conte might want to sort out his striker priority quickly as he would want to give his rivals an early lead towards the league title.