Pochettino can implement Frank Lampard’s transfer strategy to solve Chelsea’s problem

Mauricio Pochettino can emulate Frank Lampard’s transfer approach to resolve Chelsea’s dilemma

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino is still finding some teething issues with his squad that were all-too familiar to his predecessors. The main problem currently is the ability to find goals on a consistent basis, adding a clinical nature to the frontline in tight clashes.

Defeats to Brentford and Nottingham Forest have only epitomised that, with the Blues enjoying their share of possession and chances, but failing to take their chances. It has so far seen them sit in mid-table as Pochettino looks to harness his young and talented squad into consistent winners.

With the need to get the balance right, outsourcing some of that clinical edge could be the best option when the January transfer window rolls around once more. Strikers such as Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney have been linked with switches, but perhaps there’s another option.

That could be West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen, who has continued to impress and stamp his mark on the Premier League and European stage. It’s a move that would reflect that of club legend Frank Lampard, who switched the Hammers for the Blues early in his career.

The England international has often started on the right-wing, but David Moyes has also suggested that he will move on to play up front one day. “I think we’re all looking at it and saying, we’re needing to keep [evolving],” the head coach told the media on Bowen’s role.

“It’s like with anything else, when you talk about moving managers on or moving players on, you have to keep finding new ways. I’m loathe to say he’s suddenly a No.9 because we might need him to play No.7 and do the job that he’s doing there. But in time I see it changing for Jarrod, I really do.”

That versatility could appeal to a club like Chelsea, which may allow for the forward to drift and find those positions he enjoys but currently occupies far less often for a West Ham side less concerned about controlling possession. At 26-years-old, he’s hardly too old to fit into the project, and with seven goals in 11 Premier League games so far, he has been flourishing with relatively few chances in front of goal.

The one issue facing Chelsea is the new contract signed by Bowen recently, which will take his stay at the London Stadium until 2030. It would likely mean a large fee would have to be paid for the forward, but when the Blues have demonstrated the ability to spend and need a problem fixed, then the obvious answer would be to make a move.