Chelsea are reportedly plotting a shock loan move in January for former Liverpool striker Andy Carroll, currently plying his trade for West Ham United.
According to Daily Mail, Chelsea are exploring the possibility of securing the services of West Ham United striker Andy Carroll on loan in January. The former Liverpool man has emerged as a shock target for the defending champions, with Antonio Conte intent on adding to his options in attack.
Andy Carroll’s career has been one that promised much at the start but turned into an average one, owing mainly to the regular bouts of injuries he sustained at almost regular intervals. The player’s highly-anticipated move to Liverpool from Newcastle United did not pan out well and he was ultimately shipped out to West Ham.
At West Ham, his struggle with fitness issues continued to take a toll on his career. His fortunes have improved to an extent at West Ham, with the player now in a better shape, which can be judged by his 11 appearances for the Hammers in the Premier League so far – a stat ably supported by 2 goals and an assist.
Carroll though, could be set for another tryst with a big club after Liverpool, with Chelsea emerging as a shock destination for the Englishman. Antonio Conte has seen his striking options be limited to Michy Batshuayi and Alvaro Morata, with the former failing to inspire much confidence.
This has seen the manager field Eden Hazard as the other forward in a 3-5-2 formation with Morata, who himself has struggled recently with injuries and a lack of form in front of goal.
While the title might be a fair distance away, considering Manchester City’s enormous lead, Conte and his men can still vie for the second spot on the table along with the possibility of success in the cup competitions. Chelsea are also due to face Barcelona in the Round of 16 of the Champions League.
Andy Carroll is the shock name on Chelsea’s list of targets for January – he is wanted as backup for Álvaro Morata. (Source: Daily Mirror) pic.twitter.com/sBoEJOEIyW
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 5, 2018
This along with their presence in FA Cup and EFL Cup means that Conte will have a packed schedule to contend with, something that could prove to be disastrous if another forward is not brought in by Chelsea.
A loan move will enable Chelsea to not spend much and acquire another option for their attack while also aiding their cause come the end of the season. Even if the move does not pan out, Chelsea will not be left with the headache of disposing Carroll in the subsequent transfer window.
Carroll will also add another weapon in Chelsea’s arsenal, with the player’s heading prowess a great addition for a potential Plan B.
This seems to be a win-win situation for all parties, only if David Moyes decides that Carroll is a dispensable member of his West Ham squad.
However, a move for the former Liverpool man might not go down well with the Chelsea fans, who have already seen their club bring in Ross Barkley. While their rivals eye superstars, Chelsea’s recruitment has been a disappointment and a possible pursuit of Andy Carroll might just infuriate the fans further.
