According to Nizaar Kinsella, Carney Chukwuemeka’s injury will keep him on the sidelines for six months. Of course, that’s another major blow for the West London club.
The 19-year-old Englishman sustained a knee injury against West Ham United on Sunday. And he has already undergone surgery on his left knee.
Mauricio Pochettino has shown that he trusts Carney Chukwuemeka. He has been playing the Englishman as an attacking midfielder since Nkunku’s injury during the pre-season.
Despite the fact that the Hammers were down to 10-men against Chelsea on Sunday. The Blues failed to capitalize on that, as they later lost 3-1 to West Ham.
Of course, Christopher Nkunku is also on the sidelines. The Frenchman is most likely to be unavailable for the Blues for at least 4/5 months this campaign.
His injury gave room for Carney Chukwuemeka and Ian Maatsen to play as attacking midfielders. However, the West London club are most likely to explore the transfer market again.
At the moment, only Ian Maatsen can play as an attacking midfielder for Chelsea. The likes of Mudryk, Madueke, Sterling, and other attackers cannot actually play the No.10 position.
It was obvious against West Ham United that they missed a creative No.10 in the second-half. As a result, the Blues would want to equip that particular position this summer transfer window.
Carney Chukwuemeka’s injury will definitely prompt Chelsea to sign a new attacker. Therefore, the Blues have been linked with many offensive players before the deadline day.
Having missed out on signing Michael Olise from Crystal Palace. The West London club have had many creative players on their radar, wanting to boost their attack.
After losing Christopher Nkunku and Carney Chukwuemeka to injuries. The Premier League side would want to explore the transfer market to secure a new No.10.
Of course, Mauricio Pochettino desires to have proven Premier League players. However, they have already missed out on signing Michael Olise from Crystal Palace.
Regardless, there are many brilliant and talented No.10s available this summer transfer window. Who can actually take the Blues attack to the next level this season.
Who are the creative No.10s Chelsea should sign due to Carney Chukwuemeka’s injury?
1. Rayan Cherki – Lyon (20-year-old)
The French youngster recently popped up on Chelsea’s transfer list this summer transfer window. He was on the list with the likes of Michael Olise and Mohamed Kudus.
Rayan Cherki answers every question in the Blues attack. His level of creativity is similar to Eden Hazard’s; he has the ability to bolster the team’s attack.
Rayan Cherki’s biggest strengths
Key passes
Dribbling
Through balls
Set-pieces
Versatility
Vision
Creativity
Technicality
Flicks
The 20-year-old Frenchman averaged more than 2.0 key passes per 90 minutes last season. Of course, his attacking skills are enough for the West London club.
Potential-wise, Rayan Cherki is poor defensively. Nevertheless, he’s capable of improving the team’s attack, having seen his all-around statistics.
2. Florian Wirtz – Bayer Leverkusen (20-year-old)
Speaking of Carney Chukwuemeka’s injury. This is one of the playmaking attackers Mauricio Pochettino can sign to boost the team’s offensive line this campaign.
Florian Wirtz has been one of the Bundesliga’s best creators for many seasons. The German youngster delivers in every season for Bayer Leverkusen, and he means a lot to the club.
Florian Wirtz’s biggest strengths
Passing
Holding on to the ball
Creativity
Technicality
Key passes
Dribbling
Through balls
Set-pieces
Versatility
Frankly, Bayer Leverkusen are most unlikely to sell the 20-year-old German. Regardless, the player has the ability to take the team’s attack to the next level this campaign.
Actually, Florian Wirtz has many things in common with Rayan Cherki. They are both brilliant creators, and they do make more than 2.0 key passes per 90 minutes in the league.
3. Pedro Gonçalves – Sporting CP (25-year-old)
Regarding this summer transfer window. The 25-year-old Portuguese has been linked with many European clubs, particularly in the Premier League.
Pedro Gonçalves hasn’t really been linked with the West London club. However, he’s literally one of the best playmakers in Europe’s top-5 leagues, making waves in Portugal.
Pedro Gonçalves biggest strengths
Positioning
Box movement
Dribbling
Pressing
Link-up play
Set-pieces
Versatility
Creativity
Ball carrying
Finishing
The Portugal international is 25-year-old. As a result, he has enough European experience to establish himself at Chelsea, especially in the league.
With the likes of Jackson, Mudryk, Madueke, and Sterling. Gonçalves will build a brilliant combination with them, helping the team’s performance with his offensive skills.