Chelsea’s forward line cost £150m yet it is glaringly obvious they need a true No 9

Their forward line cost a combined total of £150million, yet Chelsea’s need for new striker was glaringly obvious before a ball had even been kicked.

Timo Werner led the line, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech flanked him – a pretty formidable trio to say the least. Indeed, the way all three combined for Ziyech to score Chelsea’s crucial opener testament to the undeniable threat they pose.

But this club, this team, are missing a special ingredient. Chelsea will be in the market for a new first-choice centre forward when the transfer window re-opens, Thomas Tuchel’s team selection told us as much on Wednesday night.

The way his attacking triumvirate combined to fire Chelsea ahead would have delighted the Chelsea manager. All very encouraging.

But it won’t have disguised the problem that has confronted since his arrival in January and needs addressing ahead of next season.

The fact Tuchel selected a starting XI without a recognised centre forward against Atletico Madrid, in arguably the biggest game of his reign at Chelsea to date, was telling. 

Timo Werner may have led the line against Atletico Madrid but he isn’t the attacker they crave

Olivier Giroud, Chelsea’s hero in the first leg, was left on the bench, while Tammy Abraham wasn’t included at all as he struggles to recover from a niggling ankle injury.

Even if Abraham was fit, his place in Tuchel’s plans have been called into question in recent weeks. It all points to one thing: going big for a new No 9.

It is understood Borussia Dortmund goal machine Erling Haaland is the club’s dream purchase. Chelsea aren’t the only ones, though. The rest of Europe – both Manchester clubs among them – will be hot on the trail of the Norwegian hotshot this summer.

It appears unlikely that a move to Chelsea will be high on the list of Haaland’s priority destinations. Yet, in saying that – what Roman Abramovich wants he, more often than not, gets.

Hakim Ziyech showed his cutting edge to score the only goal against Atletico on Wednesday

Elsewhere, the expiry of Sergio Aguero’s contract at Manchester City this summer should also alert Chelsea’s recruitment staff.

At 32, the Argentine isn’t the long-term answer to Chelsea’s search for a world class centre forward.

But if Aguero is willing to play for another Premier League club then it’s an option Chelsea would be negligent not to consider, particularly if Giroud, whose contract expires in June, leaves.

It will all come out in the wash, of course. But Tuchel already appears to have made up his mind up with regards to his striking options. Over to you, Roman.