Chelsea are being linked with a host of strikers over Europe as they look to allow Remy to leave and cut losses on Falcao. One such name to pop up is Oumar Niasse.
The Senegalese striker has been in great form for Lokomotiv Moscow and has been plundering goals for fun in the Russian league. He already has 12 goals and 8 assists for the side in 28 matches over the season and is a perfect fit for their counter attacking game. The source linking his is the generally reliable Guardian and is hence being treated with decent expectations.
He can play as the striker or on either wings and has tremendous physical capabilities. He uses them to cover up for his perceived lack of technical ability and zips past defenders with ease.
As a striker, he is highly involved in the game, acting as a passing outlet for his midfielders by dropping deep and opening up passing lanes. He also has a great finishing ability which is shown by his reluctance to rely on power and instead just squeeze it past the keeper with a deft side footed finish. If permitted space, he can blast in goals from outside the area and can be hence considered as an all-round forward.
The fact that he can switch to the wings is also very favourable as Chelsea currently lack wingers who are physically strong and are often fouled into submission by the opponent full backs. With Niasse, it would be difficult for the opponent to push him off as he has great shielding skills.
With a mooted price of 15 million sterling, it is a highly probable deal when we also consider the fact that Chelsea have an extremely compact squad and would need some sort of reinforcement if they infact want to go for a deep run in the cup competitions.