What do Ashley Barnes, Peter Crouch, Andy Carroll and Christian Benteke have in common? Well, quite astonishingly, links with a high-profile move to Chelsea.

There's been a mutual feeling around Stamford Bridge that the Blues need another striker in their ranks to keep up with the Manchester clubs this season. Their choices so far, however, have caused utter bewilderment across the Premier League.

The decision to sell Diego Costa, Chelsea's top scorer of three seasons, and to keep Michy Batshuayi as a deputy to Alvaro Morata always looked a questionable one.

Nevertheless, you'd struggle to find many Blues supporters that could justify the captures of Carroll and Crouch as improvements upon two international strikers.

Links to Edin Dzeko seem the only reports inspiring confidence. To the tune of £28 million, the ex-Manchester City man could make a return to England after 116 goals and a Ballon d'Or nomination with AS Roma.

Eden Hazard delivers some words of wisdom

Cause for optimism on the shortlist ends there, though, and of all the people to add a pinch of salt to the situation, it's Eden Hazard.

The Belgian isn't the most outspoken of players but gave an in-depth reaction to the rumours and the fact these strikers are associated with route one football.

"Football is simple — keep the ball on the ground and try (to play) like we did," according to the Daily Mail.

No need for Crouch or Carroll

"I think we have two very good strikers in Alvaro and Michy. If they are not ready to play I can play striker, so I don’t think we need (another one).

"Because we are missing chances, people are saying we need another striker, but if we are scoring goals we are the best attack in the league and no one can say we need a striker.

"It depends on the form of the team and I think we’re happy with the team we have."

"When you see the second goal with Willian [against Brighton], it’s one of the best of the season because we create movement with one touch, one touch, and then the finishing is good.

"We want to do more like this. Who is the best team this year? Man City. The strikers, Jesus and Aguero, are not big. It’s simple.

"It depends how you want to play. If you want to play with long balls you need a target man, if you want to keep the ball on the floor you need a small guy. It depends how you want to play."

Get this man on Match of the Day! 

Whether or not Chelsea will take the stance of their star man is unknown yet, for all the important points raised, something needs to change for the Blues up front and sooner rather than later.

Who do you think Chelsea should sign this month? Have your say in the comments section below.