Transfer Rumour Special - Andy Carroll - Would you sign him for six months at Chelsea?

We are deep into the January transfer window with just a couple of weeks to go and after three successive 0-0 draws, Antonio Conte IS considering alternatives. One of those is Andy Carroll. 

It's fair to say that the general consensus of opinion amongst the Chelsea supporters through social media when these reports first came to light was not favourable at all. Despite this, it's important to remember that this is a former £35m striker that signed for Liverpool and to keep an open mind.

What has been the one criticism of all three performances in the last ten days apart from the formation? It's been the lack of options Antonio Conte has to change things around and no "Plan B" or alternative to Alvaro Morata that he believes in 100% (I personally still believe in Michy Batshuayi and feel as though he deserves to be involved much more).

Chelsea throughout Roman Abramovich's time at this club have always had that physical presence up front in Didier Drogba followed by Diego Costa. Both were able to dominate their defenders, they could give us an out-ball when we need to clear our lines, they could hold the ball up and bring others into the game or just play as a battering-ram up top causing havoc. We do not have that as an option now and it's proving to be a real problem because our team is so used to have that option up front.

Alvaro Morata has done excellently well since he arrived but is now having a difficult time. Without question, he will come good again between now and the end of the season but if you asked me if he could play a similar role to that of Drogba or Costa, you would have to say no at this stage of his career - I am sure he will develop into that role in years to come.

So what options are there? I have championed the idea of taking someone like Christian Benteke because he can be that player, that presence we need up front. He has ability with the ball at his feet and scores goals in the Premier League so why not him?

However, the alternative if you are looking for a striker that can use his physical presence up front in England would be Carroll. We do have to take these reports seriously and consider what he brings to a football team.

First and foremost it's his height. He would offer Chelsea an out-ball and be the alternative to Morata. In games such as the last three when our tactical approach was not working, why not bring him on and lump the ball into the box to have him go after it. If he grabs us a winner or makes a telling contribution then that has to be better with three points, than a single point which we have had to settle for recently.

He does score goals with two goals in a game recently with the second being taken extremely well. He also has ability with the ball at his feet and you would have to argue that with the right attitude under Conte he could thrive.

The reports state that West Ham are only willing to do business with Chelsea for Andy Carroll on a permanent basis however, Chelsea are only looking at a possible six month loan agreement with Michy Batshuayi moving the other way on the same length of time.

There is more to Chelsea in the transfer window so we will have to see if this one has legs and continues to run.

We seriously need to consider Andy Carroll as a potential Chelsea signing. Based on the above, would you sign him for six months?

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