'He’d be fantastic in the Chelsea side' - Wise laments failure to sign Vardy

Chelsea should have moved for Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy during the summer transfer window, according to former skipper Dennis Wise.

Gonzalo Higuain, Mauro Icardi and Robert Lewandowski were all linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the off-season, but Maurizio Sarri opted to reinforce the squad in other areas.

Jorginho arrived alongside Sarri from Napoli, while Kepa Arrizabalaga was acquired for a world record £71 million ($92m) to replace Thibaut Courtois, who joined Real Madrid.

Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata have scored 11 goals between them this term but Wise - who also spent a season at Leicester after 11 years in west London - says Chelsea will regret not signing a third forward.

"I would’ve looked to bring in a third striker over the summer, someone who guarantees goals," said Wise, at the launch of the Sportsperson with a Personality Awards.

“You’re not going to get (Sergio) Aguero, you’re not going to get (Harry) Kane, but for me there’s a third option in Jamie Vardy.

“He’s a natural goalscorer in a team that doesn’t create loads of chances, I think he’d be fantastic in the Chelsea side.”

Giroud ended last season as first choice under Antonio Conte but Morata is the forward in favour with Sarri, having started 10 of the Blues' 15 Premier League games.

Champions Manchester City are the visitors to Chelsea on Saturday but Wise wants to see World Cup winner Giroud start the game ahead of the Spain international.

The ex-England international added: “Giroud and Morata are very different players.

"Morata is a confidence player, he’s an excellent finisher, whereas Giroud holds the play up far better.

“Against Man City, you want someone who’s going to get hold of the ball and keep possession, so for me Giroud starts.”