What an earth has happened to Fernando Torres? At Liverpool, he was one of the most feared marksmen in world football, so much so that in January 2011, Roman Abramovich dipped into his fortune to take him to Chelsea in a deal worth £50m.
Since then, he's looked a shadow of the player that had centre-backs waking up in the middle of night in cold sweats.
Now, with Jose Mourinho back at the Stamford Bridge helm, it appears that the Spanish international's days in the blue of Chelsea are numbered. Indeed, the Portuguese coach hinted yesterday evening that he would be prepared to sell the 29-year-old for the right price.
But where could he go? Who would be willing to take a gamble on a centre-forward that has misfired for over two years? Below, Sports Mole has assessed five possible destinations.
Liverpool
There will be many Liverpool supporters that have still not forgiven 'El Nino' for his departure to London, which on the face of it would make his return appear almost impossible to comprehend. What's more, with Luis Suarez also angling for a move, it may not be the wisest decision where squad harmony is concerned. Football fans, by and large, are a fickle bunch, though, and if Torres could recapture the goalscoring form that made him an Anfield hero the first time around, his signing would be seen as a masterstroke by Brendan Rodgers.
© Andrew Yates / Getty Images
Arsenal
It's no secret that Arsene Wenger wants a striker before the window closes next week. In fact, the Arsenal boss has courted Gonzalo Higuain, Wayne Rooney and Suarez in the last few weeks, but to no avail. Firstly, Torres is available and would cost less than the aforementioned trio, leaving Wenger with the funds to strengthen elsewhere. What's more, he is the type of striker that Arsenal are lacking - someone that likes to play on the shoulder of the last defender, rather than be involved in the build-up.
Atletico Madrid
This would perhaps be the most tempting switch for Torres, having risen through the ranks at the Vicente Calderon prior to his switch to Merseyside. From Atletico's point of view, having acquired David Villa to replace £50m-man Radamel Falcao, the re-signing of Torres may not be a priority. But with a Champions League campaign ahead of them, as well as the task of trying to break Real Madrid and Barcelona's stranglehold on the top two La Liga positions, Diego Simeone needs as big a squad, with proven quality, as possible.
© Getty Images
Valencia
The Mestalla has been a bit like a jumble sale this summer, with virtually every player up for available as the club bids to ease their financial problems. It has cost them Roberto Soldado, who plundered in 81 goals during his three seasons in a white shirt. He's been replaced by former Tottenham Hotspur frontman Helder Postiga, who with the greatest of respect, is not what you would describe as a clinical centre-forward. While financing a permanent transfer is way beyond Los Ches, a loan compromise could work.
Napoli
Torres may have many doubters, but Rafael Benitez cannot be included among them. The Spanish coach brought his compatriot to England during his time at Liverpool and then tried desperately to get the best out of him during his short stint at with Chelsea last term. So, why not a third reunion at Napoli? Benitez has already signed Higuain from Madrid, but having lost the firepower of Edinson Cavani, he may feel that replacing the Uruguayan is a two-man job, rather than just the one.
