Chelsea FC striker rumors: Ighalo race, Lavezzi meeting, Pato latest, Falcao effort

Somehow, Chelsea's more-or-less stated inactivity in the January transfer window is still leading to plenty of rumors.  Here are some of the latest.

But let's start with one of our own, Falcao, whose future availability (or lack thereof) may play a part in any moves Chelsea might make in the next two weeks, before the transfer window slams shut -- it always slams, it never just closes -- on February 1st.

"Working on my recovery. I think everything will return to normal soon by working with doctors and physios.  Thanks to everyone for the support. Thank you to the medical staff. I really appreciate the social media messages that you send me."

-Falcao; source: Instagram

Falcao posted that message on his Instagram alongside some glamour shots of stretching and riding a stationary bike.  Seeing as how Monaco ruled out an early loan recall -- though now the Telegraph claims that may not be as final as the Monaco vice-president's words made it sound like -- it would seem that we're stuck with Falcao until the summer.  If he recovers, he could at least provide an able body training cone at Cobham, though some have apparently advised that it would be better for him to retire already, that his legs are quite possibly beyond help at this point.

If Falcao remains unavailable and we're reluctant to give the third striker role over to youngsters such as Patrick Bamford or Bertrand Traore, and especially if backup striker Loic Remy decides that he wants out as well this month, then pursuing the likes of Alexandre Pato makes sense.  The Pato trail has gone cold this weekend -- no movement in Brazil as far as we can tell -- but here's the Independent to claim that the deal is set to complete before the weekend and in time for the Arsenal match.  Hurray?

Another option we're apparently exploring a few years too late is former Napoli wing-wonder and current PSG spare part Ezequiel Lavezzi.  This one comes from the Oracle of Di Marzio, claiming that on Wednesday, Chelsea "could" be meeting with Lavezzi's agent, who's apparently in London at the moment.  Lavezzi, who's made just 3 league starts for PSG all season, is unfortunately well past his sell-by date.

Perhaps to balance that out, Chelsea were also linked with Watford's young and exciting and budding star Odion Ighalo.  Except he's 26.  But he is doing quite well for Watford and is basically their only source for goals, so I'm not sure why they'd ever consider selling him.  Though if they are looking to cash in and sell high, there's probably no better time to do so than the present.  The Mirror do not attach a transfer fee, but considering that he signed a new five-year deal in September and Watford are probably safe from relegation, he would not come cheap.

Guus Hiddink said the other day that we shouldn't make any hasty moves.  Hopefully we're listening.