Former Chelsea midfielder and assistant manager Jody Morris has urged Thomas Tuchel to sign a striker this summer, claiming that Barcelona forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would improve the forward ranks. It comes as the Blues continue to struggle in the final third, having done so last season.
The German coach has been tasked with changing that over the summer, with the likes of club-record signing Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner being moved on in an attempt to refresh those ranks. Raheem Sterling made the move from Manchester City. However, the lack of a natural centre-forward option remains a potential issue.
Kai Havertz has been preferred there so far, however, he is yet to comfortably take the first-team shirt in that role consistently. That was something made clear when the side were on the end of a heavy 3-0 loss to Leeds United away from home, with the forward being one of many to struggle.
READ MORE: Thomas Tuchel provides Chelsea transfer update after Wesley Fofana agreement and midfield issue
When asked whether the lack of a striker was an issue, Tuchel bluntly replied: "No, no." However, the search for a potential option there continues, with reports claiming talks have been held with former Arsenal captain Aubameyang over a shock move back to the capital.
It would see the Gabon international link up with the manager once again, having played under Tuchel in his time at Borussia Dortmund. Amid such links, former assistant Morris has told Chelsea they need a striker and that the forward would improve their ranks.
Speaking to Stadium Astro, he said: "It's a funny one because even though we're three games into the season, I have to say I thought Chelsea were poor from an attacking aspect against Everton. They didn't create enough clear-cut chances. I thought the same today [against Leeds]; even the chances they had, you'd call them chances, but you're not saying, 'he must score there'. Even Sterling's two chances came from him creating it himself.
"I just feel they're not creating enough real big opportunities to score goals apart from against Spurs when Havertz had the chance to put the game to bed. I think they've got to look for a striker."
Discussing the prospect of Aubameyang at Stamford Bridge, he added: "You'd have to say he'd improve the team at the moment because he's a renowned goal scorer. I think he would function more as a No.9. I don't think you'd find him out wide or playing on the left like he did quite a few times for Arsenal.
"I think if Chelsea were to sign him, they'd want him to operate down the middle. I'm not sure if there are others out there or whether that's the one they're doing for, but they definitely need something."
READ NEXT:
- Raheem Sterling realises Pep Guardiola Chelsea dream as Tuchel faces Frenkie de Jong question
- Todd Boehly overdue £40m success breaks fundamental Chelsea transfer rule to set new trend
- Timo Werner Chelsea exit exposes wider transfer mistake that Todd Boehly cannot repeat
- Callum Hudson-Odoi Dortmund talks could finally end Chelsea's £150m transfer dead-end
- Full Chelsea Premier League fixture list for 2022/23
