Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino stated that he plans to assign the number nine shirt to the next striker he acquires. This declaration comes amidst speculations regarding a potential move for Darwin Nunez during the final week of the summer transfer window.
Several strikers wore the iconic number nine jersey at Stamford Bridge over the years. Including figures like Gianluca Vialli, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Tony Cascarino, and Hernan Crespo. Nevertheless, in more recent times, the number gained a reputation among the fanbase for being a curse.
Meanwhile, there is a prevailing belief in Chelsea. That any striker who takes on the number nine jersey at Chelsea will underperform and fail to live up to the standards. This notion has been with players like Radamel Falcao, Gonzalo Higuain, Alvaro Morata, and Romelu Lukaku. All of whom have been shouldering the burden of the number nine mantle over the past decade.
None of these players have been able to achieve substantial success at the club, except for Tammy Abraham. He stands as a notable exception. However, he was unsuitable for a long-term role within the team and was consequently on his way to AS Roma. As the new season approaches, the number nine shirt remains unoccupied, generating considerable speculation concerning potential signings for the forward position.
Chelsea in urgent need of a forward
The initial addition to the squad was Christopher Nkunku, a prolific goal scorer during his tenure at RB Leipzig. Notably, Nkunku possesses the versatility to function in various positions across the forward line, including as a number ten. Although there might have been speculation about him adopting the number nine shirt, he ultimately chose to double it and opt for the number 18, consistent with the jersey he wore during his time at Leipzig.
Following closely, Nicolas Jackson joined from Villarreal. Much like his predecessor, he also opted for a distinct squad number, ultimately selecting the number 15. As a result, with only a few days remaining in the transfer window, the number nine shirt remains unoccupied. Indicating that Chelsea is actively seeking a forward signing.
Pochettino has been explicit in expressing his stance that the upcoming striker signing will don the number nine shirt. He conveyed this message to the media before his team’s match against Luton Town, stating, “For sure, if we bring in one striker more, now I’m going to be sure that he uses the nine and try to change the feeling and the idea that this number is not cursed.”
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