English media have today reported that Chelsea are lining Queens Park Rangers’ French striker Loic Remy as a potential backup plan to Roma striker Mattia Destro should the Blues’ move for the Italian fall through.
Remy, who recently represented the French national side during the World Cup in Brazil, has an impressive scoring record in English football since arriving from Marseille back in 2013.
Chelsea’s fellow London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal had also targeted Remy earlier in the summer but both clubs’ move for the QPR striker seem to have died down, giving Chelsea the clear edge in the race to sign the Frenchman.
Roma’s Destro remains Jose Mourinho’s No.1 target to replace Fernando Torres, who is close to finalizing a permanent move to AC Milan. The Daily Express have claimed that the Blues have offered#20million for the services of the 22-year-old Destro.
Roma are reportedly in no hurry to sell the Italian though, and as such Chelsea have identified Remy as their alternative should a move for Destro fail. Remy could be available for as little as £8.5m, a bargain considering the quality of the striker.
The Frenchman has already failed a medical at Liverpool though this summer, just as he was closing in on an £8m move from QPR. But given Remy has played the full 90 minutes in Rangers’ opening 2 games this season, many are questioning the judgement of Liverpool’s club doctors.
Destro has been included in the Roma squad for tomorrow’s Serie A game against Fiorentina leading many to question whether the Italian is really on the brink of moving to West London. Meanwhile, the UK bookmakers have today slashed the odds on Loic Remy moving to Chelsea, with Mourinho’s side the clear odds-on favourites for his signature.
Chelsea are in desperate need of a striker following the injury sustained by Diego Costa (even if it is only minor). And with Torres unlikely to feature in tomorrow evening’s clash with Everton, one wonders who will be leading the Chelsea line at Goodison Park.
Costa could start but is likely to make the bench only, leaving Didier Drogba as the only out-and-out striker available. There could perhaps also be a surprise start up front for Andre Schurrle or Cesc Fabregas too. Â Time will tell.
