Respected Pundit questions Chelsea’s search for a certain type of striker.

Gary Neville has brought into question the reported Chelsea search for a Target Man to play as backup to Alvaro Morata. 

Watching the Brighton game back over the weekend it was noticeable how well we played in the final third, always looking dangerous and causing our hosts problems. Alan Smith – the ex-Arsenal pundit made a point during commentary when he questioned why we felt we needed to bring anyone else in if we continued with play as we had started the game with Michy Batshuayi heavily involved.

This sentiment has been echoed by Gary Neville in his Sky Sports Column as he has questioned the names being linked with Chelsea in recent weeks.

We thought being linked with Andy Carroll was bad, then Peter Crouch last week to only read reports linking us with Ashley Barnes last night. It’s all becoming slightly ridiculous and I would imagine more names will be linked with Chelsea until the deal for Edin Dzeko can be completed (hopefully this week!). Referring to the consensus amongst Chelsea fans on social media and of supporters of the game in general, Neville has said:

"Chelsea seem to be hell-bent on getting anybody that's over 6ft 3in and a target man.

There is no doubt that Conte likes a target man. Graziano Pelle was a big favourite of Conte's when he was in charge of Italy, so he does like someone up front who is a presence. But, are they really that desperate to have somebody for the last three months of the season?

I don't see it personally. I think Chelsea are having a good season.

People will say they are not reaching the heights of last season but my view would be that for managers at Chelsea, the season post winning the title is not easy and Conte is doing very well this season to keep the team and the momentum going.

So I'm not quite sure why they are so hell-bent on getting a big striker. I know Conte does like a target man but I'm not sure why they are so desperate."

It just seems a little random. Everybody on social media, in particular, feels it's a little bit random."

In my view, Gary Neville makes a crucial point and one that I have stated on here during recent weeks. Chelsea believe it or not, ARE having a good season and as Antonio Conte reminded everyone who wanted to listen in his post-match press conference; we are on an unbeaten run in the Premier League within striking distance from Manchester United for second place in addition to battling in both domestic cup competitions and the Champions League.

We have all questioned the reports linking us with all sorts of players and you must agree that Carroll/Crouch are of the same mould. As for Ashley Barnes? Words fail me.

However, as stated at the end of last week, if we can get the deal done for Edin Dzeko it would tick all the right boxes for me as someone who could lead the line, be the target man but also someone who has excellent ability with the ball at his feet to bring others into the game or to put the ball in the back of net.

I firmly believe 100% that Chelsea play better by having a focal point up front with players to play up to and off them. The false-nine works in certain games but comes a cropper in others.

If Michy Batshuayi had taken one of his chances at the weekend, then people would be raving about him and would question the need to replace him? He didn’t, still wants to leave the club on loan and it’s seems that the decision has already been made.

Let’s hope Dzeko signs within days and this whole protracted situation stops.