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Football London
Football London
Sport
Josh Holland

Mauricio Pochettino already has Chelsea's Harry Kane answer thanks to Roman Abramovich

When Mauricio Pochettino sits down at Cobham and starts his preparations for next season, solving Chelsea's difficulties in the forward department will be at the very top of his list. The Blues have scored 36 goals in 35 games in the Premier League this season - a club record low.

Between now and the end of the season, Chelsea will need to score ten goals against Manchester City, Manchester United and Newcastle to equal their current worst goalscoring season in the Premier League - 46 in 1995/96.

The January arrivals of Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke have not bettered the west Londoners' presence in the final third, with the area of the squad highlighted as one in desperate need of a prolific goalscorer in the summer.

READ MORE: Todd Boehly can hand Mauricio Pochettino 'perfect' Chelsea gift with glowing reunion

Romelu Lukaku is due to return to SW6 at the end of the season following his loan spell with Inter Milan. The Belgian has scored 12 goals in 31 games in Italy this term - including five in his last four Serie A appearances - his worst goal return in a single season throughout his career.

The futures of Pierre-Emerick Aubemayeng and Felix remain relatively unclear heading in the transfer window, also. Todd Boehly is expected to splash the cash on a new number nine in the summer to make sure there is no repeat of the current season's torrid time.

And after agreeing a deal with Pochettino for him to become the next manager, work is already underway with the recruitment team on trimming the large squad and making the necessary upgrades. Recent reports from The Telegraph have claimed the Blues are looking at signing at least two or three new players and there could be a return of a former fan favourite.

Tammy Abraham left the club in 2021 for Italian side AS Roma under Roman Abramovich's reign. After enjoying an electric start to life with 27 goals in 53 games last term, the 25-year-old has only scored nine this season.

His future has been debated for some time after it was revealed that Chelsea inserted a clause into his contract which allows them to re-sign him this summer if they wish. Tiago Pinto, Roma's general manager, claimed the fee is in the region of €80million (£70.5m) - £36.5m more than what Roma paid for him two years ago.

But Chelsea could manage to bring Abraham back to west London for a cheaper transfer fee, with Spanish outlet Fichajes claiming Roma will listen to offers worth £40m. It is also said that Aston Villa, Newcastle and Liverpool are among the teams keen to bring the forward back to the Premier League.

Pochettino is precise when placing his faith in a striker. At Tottenham, he reaped the rewards with Harry Kane and had the pleasure of managing Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain.

If Lukaku or Armando Broja are not the right answer, Abraham's return to Stamford Bridge could work a treat. FBRef has the striker ranking 80th percentile for non-penalty expected goals plus assisted goals (npxG + xAG) and the 80th percentile for non-penalty xG in comparison to players across the top five leagues.

Away from just scoring goals, the Cobham graduate is more than capable of linking-up play with his teammates. He is ranked 76th percentile for tackles from a striker and 83rd percentile for aerials won.

Chelsea know exactly what they'd be getting with Abraham. Only this time, he will be a player with a proven goalscoring record in Europe with a point to prove in the Premier League.

READ NEXT:

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Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez send Mauricio Pochettino message as transfer stance revealed

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly told clear reason to give Mauricio Pochettino his very own Harry Kane

Chelsea can kickstart Mauricio Pochettino reign with major move for secret weapon

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