After another wasteful display from Fernando Torres nearly cost Chelsea against Sparta Prague in the Europa League, GiveMeFootball takes a look at five replacements for the Spanish striker.
Torres has scored just one goal in 14 games - a return that will certainly make owner Roman Abramovich consider taking out his chequebook again this summer.
Here are five players who may replace the former Liverpool striker at Stamford Bridge.
Jackson Martinez | FC Porto
The young Colombian forward has been a revelation for the Portuguese champions this season.
After losing their top goalscorers two seasons in a row - Radamel Falcao and Hulk - Porto were in desperate need of a goalscorer. Martinez has answered their call and stepped up to the plate, scoring 20 goals in 19 Portuguese Liga games.
At 26, Martinez is entering peak age for a footballer and his displays in the Champions League this campaign prove that he has what it takes to be the new number nine at Stamford Bridge.
Mario Gomez | Bayern Munich
With the signing of Mario Mandzukic in the summer, Mario Gomez has slipped down the pecking order at Bayern Munich.
But Gomez has an incredible strike rate for club and country, netting a combined 80 goals during the 2010/11 and 2011/12 campaigns, plus three goals for Germany at last summer’s European Championships.
When Pep Guardiola arrives in June he will almost certainly want to bring in some new players, meaning Gomez may well be shown the exit door.
Could he end up at Chelsea?
Gonzalo Higuain | Real Madrid
Another striker with an incredible strike rate, Higuain seems to be undervalued by manager Jose Mourinho.
But when on the pitch, Higuain almost always delivers and is currently sitting on 99 La Liga goals in just 178 appearances.
At only 25 and with a plethora of talent at Madrid's disposal, Higuain might be ready to ply his trade where he will be the number one striker.
Stephan El Shaarawy | AC Milan
El Shaarawy has had a fantastic season for the Italian giants, despite their early troubles in Serie A.
He is currently the second leading goalscorer in the league with 15 strikes and at just 20 years of age, the Italian international could be a long-term replacement for Torres.
The recent acquisition of Mario Balotelli and Milan’s continued financial problems could mean that they may be ready to listen to offers for their most prized asset.
Romelu Lukaku | Chelsea (on loan at West Brom)
What better way to replace Torres then promote from within?
Lukaku has scored 10 Premier League goals on loan at West Brom this season, three more than Torres has managed in the league.
Having spent a reported £20m to bring Lukaku to the club from Anderlecht, it would be wise for Chelsea to allow him to grow into the central striker role at Stamford Bridge, as he has proven this season he has the ability to play in England's top tier.
DISCLAIMER: This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeFootball Writing Academy and does not represent the views of GiveMeFootball.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article. GiveMeFootball.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.
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