Chelsea fans will have welcomed the current international break in warmer fashion than most. While Liverpool supporters are eager to get back to domestic football to see what Jurgen Klopp has to offer and Manchester City’s following are keen to see their side continue their battle at the top, the Blues have had some much-needed relief from the worrying lack of results in West London.It’s bizarre to see the champions sitting in 16th position after eight games with only two wins and one of the worst defensive records in the division, but what’s been even weirder is the apparent lack of desire at Stamford Bridge. Jose Mourinho’s sides are characterised by their ‘us vs. them’ mentality, which normally manifests itself in hard-working and explosive performances… alas it’s been different so far.There is plenty of time to turn things around, and perhaps Mourinho himself is eager to get to January to make the sort of additions he missed out on over the summer. It’s claimed (below) that he’s already been scouting Dynamo Kiev’s Andriy Yarmolenko, and even though he’s not a household name, the 25-year-old attacking midfielder could be a wise addition.

Don’t believe us? Well, here are FIVE reasons to get on board…

Goalscoring attacking midfielder

It’s rather cliché, but goals win games, so having players able to put the ball in the net is obviously a bonus. Although Chelsea’ tally of 12 is one of the better returns in the bottom half of the Premier League table right now, their return is some way off that of leaders Manchester City (19), while even Leicester and West Ham have managed five more apiece than the Blues. The table is lying somewhat at the minute – who expects Chelsea to be anywhere below fourth come May? – but in order to get themselves out of the brown stuff, the Londoners need to start putting the ball in the net.

Yarmolenko offers an interesting option it would seem, with the Ukrainian known for his goalscoring touch. He netted 14 times as Dynamo secured the league title last term, while 20 in 52 appearances at senior international level is a stunning return for a player often used in a wide attacking role.

Winning mentality

As mentioned before, Yarmolenko helped his side to Ukrainian league glory last term. Although not widely hailed as the most competitive division in Europe, the Eastern European nation boast teams such as Shakhtar Donetsk – winners on the previous five occasions – the newly emerged Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk – who were Europa League finalists last season – and other respectable sides such as Metalist Kharkiv and Vorskla Poltava.

Moreover, winning breeds a winning mentality, and Chelsea sure could use a confidence boost right now with some senior players appearing to have lost their hunger and desire.

Cost effective

With his contract set to expire at the end of the season, Dynamo are in no position to drive a hard bargain. At 25, there’s every chance Yarmolenko will see the coming summer as his chance to make a big move, so it’s unlikely that he’ll commit long-term to his current side for fear of driving his price beyond the reach of some sides.

Although Chelsea are by no means a team that need to be overly cautious when it comes to spending, a bargain fee is sure to be tempting with Financial Fair Play still lurking, and could allow funds to be shifted towards additions alongside the attacking midfielder.

Experienced

Having racked up around 200 appearances for Dynamo – in which time he’s won the league twice, the Ukrainian cup twice and played in the Champions League – and featured for his nation on over 50 occasions, Yarmolenko has a considerable level of know-how at the highest level. Players need this degree of experience when joining a top side like Chelsea, which bodes well for a potential deal.

Versatility

Although most comfortable in a central attacking midfield role, Yarmolenko is equally as effective from a wider berth as both a winger or inside forward, and is able to play up front as a conventional striker. Standing at 6ft. 2”, the 25-year-old offers the physical presence to lead the line, while his pace and guile make him a threat from a more reserved role. Jose could have made use of him during Diego Costa’s recent ban!