Report: Chelsea turned down the opportunity to sign 2018 World Cup star for free in January | OneFootball

Chelsea passed on Mario Mandzukic in January

According to Italian publication Calciomercato (h/t Express), Chelsea boss Frank Lampard turned down the opportunity to sign Mario Mandzukic in January.

The 34-year-old Croatian veteran was offered to the Blues. However, he did not fit in with Lampard’s vision of the team. This in spite of the report claiming it to be a free transfer.

The Blues have been a haven for young talents of late and have undergone a youth revolution of sorts. It is understandable why Lampard chose against signing him given his age.

Mandzukic is a clinical striker who has played for some of the best sides in European football. He won the UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich and also helped Juventus to the final four years later.

He had also been an integral part of the Croatian national team that reached the finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

He ended his tryst with European football as he eventually moved to Qatari side Al-Duhail last December. With him also retiring from international football, he is clearly in the twilight of his career.

It can be argued that we could have done with the striker given Tammy Abraham’s injury and Michy Batshuayi’s loss of form.

Oliver Giroud has stepped up and made himself count during that time. His performances have seen him extend his contract at the club for another year.

Chelsea have signed aging strikers in the past. Gonzalo Higuain and Radamel Falcao have endured tough spells at Stamford Bridge irrespective of their quality.

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In a way, the suspension has worked in our favor. With Tammy Abraham now back fit, we are better placed to solidify our position in the top four.

With Timo Werner close to a move to Stamford Bridge, we will now be getting a young and prolific striker to ease our scoring burdens.