Salomon Rondon during his time at West Brom. (Getty Images)
According to reliable Telegraph journalist Matt Law, Chelsea were offered a last-minute loan deal for Dalian Yifang striker Salomon Rondon but turned it down.
The Blues had seen their transfer ban overturned in time for January after a summer of no spending. Apart from a deal for 16-year-old Bryan Fiabema, they failed to make a significant signing during the January transfer window. In fact, the club has not signed a high-profile player since acquiring the services of winger Christian Pulisic a year ago.
Chelsea are currently fourth in the table, just four points above fifth-placed Tottenham. Their 2-2 draw against Leicester City on Saturday means they have won just four of the last 13 Premier League matches.
Frank Lampard’s side badly needs reinforcements, especially in the forward department. Tammy Abraham has enjoyed a strong breakthrough campaign with Chelsea. His tally of 13 goals scored in 24 games is impressive, especially since this time last year, he was leading the attack for Aston Villa in the Championship.
In spite of his rapid rise with Chelsea this campaign, the England international has looked a bit knackered in the last few games. Abraham has gone goalless in his last three league games, with his last strike coming in the 3-0 win over Burnley at Stamford Bridge.
Lampard has no alternative and hence, the Blues boss should have signed a back-up striker to ease the burden on his young star. Olivier Giroud is frozen out of the picture at Stamford Bridge and his contract expires in June. While Michy Batshuayi has shown glimpses during his Chelsea career, he hasn’t realistically challenged Abraham for a place in the starting XI.
As it stands, Abraham is left to shoulder the responsibility of leading the line for his club. That’s why Chelsea should’ve signed Salomon Rondon during the winter transfer window.
Rondon, 30, moved to Dalian Yifang last summer and scored five goals in 11 games during his first season in the Chinese Super League. He has previously played for the likes of Newcastle and West Brom in England, scoring 35 goals in 140 Premier League appearances. The Venezuelan bagged 11 goals and seven assists to win Newcastle’s Player of the Year while on loan at West Brom last season.
The 30-year-old’s record in the Premier League, along with his solid experience, would’ve made him an ideal back-up striker to Abraham. Rondon would have not only added quality to the Blues’ attacking ranks but also some much-needed competition. Thus, Chelsea have committed a huge mistake by not signing the Venezuela international on loan until the end of the season.
