Chelsea could accelerate move for Ligue 1 striker

Chelsea will likely be without a head coach when they travel to face Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. 

Enzo Maresca parted ways with the west London club on Thursday, with the Blues having won just one of their last seven matches in the Premier League.

That run of form leaves Chelsea fifth in the Premier League table, but those in charge of the club are now working to find a replacement for Maresca.

Liam Rosenior, who managed French side Strasbourg – also under the BlueCo ownership group – has been touted as an early contender to take the hot seat at Stamford Bridge, with the former Hull City boss having impressed in France.

With that in mind, it appears that Chelsea’s next managerial appointment could also change their January transfer plans.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea could attempt to accelerate the signing of striker Emmanuel Emegha if Rosenior is appointed as head coach.

The Dutch strikes currently plays under Rosenior at Strasbourg but is set to join Chelsea on a permanent deal next summer.

Emegha made his debut for The Netherlands in November (Photo: Parallax Pictures/Alamy)

It is claimed, however, that Chelsea could consider trying to bring the move forward if they choose to appoint Rosenior.

Emegha, 22, has scored 30 goals in 71 games for French side Strasbourg across all competitions, including seven in 11 games so far this term.

The striker was handed his senior international debut for The Netherlands in November, and a deal has already been finalised that will see him move to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.

Chelsea are said to be keen to add a striker to their ranks in January, with Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic and Porto’s Samu Aghehowa named as potential targets.

Their desire to bolster their attacking ranks comes amid concern surrounding Liam Delap, who joined from Ipswich Town over the summer but is yet to score a goal in the Premier League so far this term.