The Blues boss have been left with 18-year-old Dan Gifford as the only number 10 to call upon with the season just weeks away.
Seventeen strikers have already been linked with a Fratton Park move this summer, with names including Kion Etete, Kyle Wootton, George Hirst, Cole Stockton and Colby Bishop all being credited with a potential move to PO4.
But as Pompey’s attacking crisis continues, how active have the Blues’ rivals been in the forward department this window?
We’ve taken a look at the 10 strikers who have been signed by League One clubs so far this summer.
Here’s who’s been on the move.
But as Pompey’s attacking crisis continues, how active have the Blues’ rivals been in the forward department this window?
![The former Pompey striker failed to negotiate fresh terms with Rotherham and returned to League One, joining Sheffield Wednesday. Smith played a vital role in the Millers’ promotion and Papa John’s Trophy triumph last term, finding the net 25 times in 54 games.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmY0MGJmZGRkLTBlOTQtNDhhYS1hNDE5LTdkNDhmNjNjMzY5Mzo1YWU1YzhjYS1iYWE1LTQ2ZGUtOWU4YS0wM2ZkNjRjMTYyYmI=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
9. Michael Smith
The former Pompey striker failed to negotiate fresh terms with Rotherham and returned to League One, joining Sheffield Wednesday. Smith played a vital role in the Millers’ promotion and Papa John’s Trophy triumph last term, finding the net 25 times in 54 games.Photo: Catherine Ivill
![The 21-year-old came through the ranks at Manchester United but was released at the end of the season after making four first-team outings. Mellor joined Wycombe on a permanent deal after he spent time on trial with the Chairboys.](https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmMxZjQyNThhLTYxZDktNDgyZC1iMzlmLTQyZDcwNWJjODEwYTpiMzY4OTY0Mi1jZDdmLTRiMTQtOWI4My1iNjM1MjQzOGQ1YjM=.jpg?crop=3:2&trim=&width=640)
10. D’Mani Mellor
The 21-year-old came through the ranks at Manchester United but was released at the end of the season after making four first-team outings. Mellor joined Wycombe on a permanent deal after he spent time on trial with the Chairboys.Photo: John Peters