Why Fulham Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic Could Give Chelsea A Cutting Edge In The Premier League Title Race

Why Fulham Striker Aleksandar Mitrovic Could Give Chelsea A Cutting Edge In The Premier League Title Race
14:44, 17 Sep 2018

Rumours are rife that fast starters Chelsea are currently deciding whether to make a move for Fulham's in-form striker Aleksandar Mitrovic in the January transfer window.

The Cottagers frontman has been in fantastic form for the capital club since he joined on loan from Newcastle back in January, a move which was then made permanent in the summer for £22 million after he signed a whopping five-year deal.

However, the Daily Mirror reports that Chelsea could attempt to snatch the Serbian from their West London neighbours when the window re-opens its doors, and given his superb start to the season, his transfer fee will now be significantly higher than it was in the summer.

Chelsea have been switching between strikers Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud, but while both players are a force on their day, neither has proved to be an out-and-out goalscorer for the Blues.

Meanwhile, the red-hot Mitrovic has already smashed home six goals in five games for Fulham and Serbia this term, and at the time of writing only Eden Hazard has more Premier League goals to his name so far this campaign.

Last season the 24-year-old played a pivotal role in leading Fulham up into the Premier League, and between February and April he scored 12 goals in just 13 games.

Chelsea could now be eyeing him as a future long-term option, with Mitrovic's style often compared to that of a former Blues striker in Diego Costa who left a gaping hole in attack following his return to Atletico Madrid last summer (2017).

However, there may well be concerns that a potential switch in January could come too soon for the Mitrovic, who was not wanted by Rafa Benitez at Newcastle. Although if Chelsea do ultimately decide to come calling he'd no doubt be very tempted to listen to what they would have to say, especially if Maurizio Sarri's men remain in the hunt for the title.

The Italian has enjoyed a cracking start to life in the Chelsea dugout, having won all five of his matches to date, with the 4-1 hammering of Cardiff propelling the Blues to the summit of the table.

Mitrovic's eye for goal, dynamism, and physical presence - he scares the life out of defenders - could well prove to be a valuable asset at the Bridge as the club looks to regain the title, although Fulham will understandably be determined to hold onto their man.

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