Premier League icon Alan Shearer has laid out a clear three-point transfer plan for Chelsea ahead of the crucial January window, insisting the club must spend to revive their faltering campaign.
Shearer's Verdict on Chelsea's Weaknesses
The former England captain, speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, was unequivocal about where the Blues need to invest. He identified a top-class centre-forward and a elite centre-half as absolute priorities, while also suggesting the club may need to consider a new goalkeeper.
"I think they’re lacking a top-class No.9 and a top-class centre-half, I think, as well," Shearer stated. "Maybe a goalkeeper… I’ve never been convinced with Chelsea that they can win the league."
Striker Dilemma Under the Microscope
Shearer's comments come amid growing scrutiny on Chelsea's attacking options. The club invested heavily in two forwards last summer, but neither has cemented the role.
Chelsea paid £30 million to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town, but the Englishman's season has been marred by injury. After suffering a hamstring problem, he has more recently struggled with a shoulder issue. To date, he has managed just two goals in 18 appearances.
The £60 million acquisition of Joao Pedro from Brighton has yielded a better return, with 10 goals and four assists in 26 games. However, co-host Gary Lineker echoed Shearer's concerns, noting: "I don’t think Joao Pedro is really a No.9."
Lineker also observed a shift in fan sentiment, remarking: "Now the fans are starting to turn a little bit, I’ve noticed... They still haven’t quite worked [who should play] centre-forward."
Context of Chelsea's Struggles
This transfer critique follows a difficult period for head coach Enzo Maresca's side. Chelsea have won just one of their last six Premier League matches, a run that included a disappointing 2-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, December 28th.
The dip in form is a stark contrast to earlier praise for a "magnificent tactical performance against Barcelona," as Lineker recalled. The Blues have an immediate chance to respond when they host AFC Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.
Shearer concluded that while the current strikers have potential, the step up requires proven quality. "I’m not saying that Pedro and Delap can’t do it, but I think to get to that elite level and challenge for Premier League, then I would say they’d probably need a top class centre-forward and centre-half."
