Olivier Giroud has been ‘incredible’ says Frank Lampard 1769444711SKz3bPK6
Chelsea have set their sights on making "one big signing" in the summer transfer window. The Blues' plans have been affected by the coronavirus crisis but Stamford Bridge chiefs hope to land a marquee player.
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Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has used academy graduates to freshen up his squad since replacing Maurizio Sarri but new arrivals have been thin on the ground.
A transfer ban imposed on the club by FIFA last summer restricted their activity to converting Mateo Kovacic's loan into a permanent deal.
They successfully overturned the suspension ahead of January's window but failed to make a signing, despite Lampard being desperate for attacking reinforcements.
The Chelsea tactician only has three strikers in his squad - Tammy Abraham has established himself as the first choice while Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi provide backup.
A new striker remains a priority, despite Giroud signing a one-year contract extension, but the coronavirus crisis is set to wreak financial havoc on the footballing world so the next transfer window will be impacted as a result.
Chelsea have enough room their budget for a blockbuster deal but will supplement the rest of the activity with swap deals and alternative options, according to The Athletic.
Speaking on Straight Outta Cobham, reporter Simon Johnson said: "I think the plan before the lockdown was for Giroud to sign a deal for two reasons - partly as a protection assurance from Chelsea's point of view just in case things didn't work out but primarily the plan was that of the two strikers to be moved on it was Batshuayi because he was going to carry the bigger transfer value.
"Of course, things have changed since then but I still think that of the two strikers if they can move on it will be Batshuayi.
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"Yes, they’re on the hunt for another forward but it’s a lot more difficult for the many complications this has brought. I think Chelsea have enough in their budget.
"I was talking to someone the other day, they were suggesting that in all likelihood there’ll be one big signing, and then whatever else comes up, swap deals etc, etc.
"The striker which Frank wants is someone who can hold up the ball and play around him. Which is very much a Giroud-type striker and that certainly rules out Batshuayi, who increasingly became a peripheral figure.
"He certainly lost his place on the bench by the latter part when the season was taking place."