Sarri makes transfer plea to Chelsea board

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri has pleaded with the club’s board to sign a striker in the January transfer window.

The Blues were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw with Southampton at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday and just six points separate them and Manchester United in sixth.

Alvaro Morata was handed a starting berth with Eden Hazard pushed back onto the wing but the Spaniard failed to grasp the opportunity.

Olivier Giroud is currently sidelined with an ankle injury and Sarri admits Chelsea’s lack of options up top are costing his side.

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“On the bench I tried to do my job. I think we played a very good match for 80 metres of the pitch, then we were in trouble in the last 20 metres,’ said Sarri.

“We have to try to solve the problem of the last 15, 20 metres.

“The club knows very well my opinion. I think we need something different for characteristics.

“I’m not in charge of the market. I have to try to improve my players, my team, my offensive phase, or better my offensive phase in the last 20 metres.

“The club knows my position, my opinion. It’s up to the board.”

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Morata’s struggles up front – where he’s scored just seven goals this term – convinced Sarri to play Hazard in a false 9 position.

The Blues host Newcastle this weekend and Giroud is not expected to return for another fortnight.