By RYAN TOLMICH

Following the departure of Mads Stokellien, the New York Cosmos have bolstered the team’s frontline with the signing of a new forward option.

The Cosmos announced Monday that the club has signed Argentinian forward Gastón Cellerino from the Chilean Primera División’s Santiago Wanderers. A product of the Boca Juniors youth academy, the 29-year-old striker joins a forward unit that has been led by Raul and Lucky Mkosana, who have combined for nine goals this season.

“We’re really pleased to have added another quality attacking option,” said Cosmos head coach and sporting director Giovanni Savarese. “Gastón is a dynamic forward who is very dangerous and clever in the box and someone that will put a lot of pressure on opposing defenses.”

Since departing Boca Juniors in 2007, Cellerino  featured for Peru’s Universidad San Martín, Chile’s Rangers and Italy’s Livorno before signing with Santiago Wanderers in 2013. Over the past two seasons with Wanderers, the forward scored 17 league goals in 57 appearances.

The forward was the center of controversy in 2012 when, as a member of Union La Calera striker, Cellerino struck goalkeeper Mauricio Viana with a flying kick.

“I’ve had some really positive conversations with Gio about the team’s philosophy and the style of play really appeals to me,” said Cellerino. “I’m looking forward to getting to New York and starting training and doing whatever it takes to help this team win another championship.”

What do you think of the signing? How will Cellerino fit in with the Cosmos?

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