The plan to replace Diego Costa with Alvaro Morata has not worked too well for Chelsea, who now find themselves struggling to make it to the top-4 this season. So it does not come as a surprise that the Blues are desperate to sign another striker at the end of the season.
They have been linked with the finest names in the world of football and one player they are looking to sign is Argentine hitman Mauro Icardi.
Chelsea Prepare Icardi Bid:
Currently contracted with Inter Milan till 2021, Icardi is yet to sign the new deal the Italian giants have offered him at the start of the year and this has seen a number of reports claim that he is ready to quit San Siro this summer. The likes of Real Madrid and Manchester United are also interested in his services but it is understood that Chelsea are readying a £55m bid, to try and lure Icardi to London.
However, the striker has a £80m release clause and Inter Milan are expected to hold out for close to €100m. So should Chelsea double their bid to land Icardi this summer?
Icardi And His Numbers:
Enjoying his best season in front of goal, the 25-year old has 22 goals and an assist in 24 Serie A starts this season and has been almost unstoppable. Known for his positioning, ability in the air and deadly finishing in front of goal, he has taken his game to a new level this season and has been the talisman for the Italian giants, in the attack.
Leading the attack for his side, Icardi has shown great perseverance and composure in the final third and is proving that he is a matured and established player at the moment. He loves to drop deep and help in build-up play but has been effective, playing on the shoulder of the final defender this season.
He has four appearances for his national side but has already amassed 103 goals and 26 assists in 180 top-flight appearances in Italy and is an established star at the highest level.
Right Man For Chelsea?
The Blues also spent on Olivier Giroud in the January transfer window but the French international is not the answer to their problems in attack. Morata just does not seem the best option in the system at the Bridge under Conte, who has been desperate for a target man. Icardi can solve this problem next season.
Though not as good as the likes of Costa in hold up play, Icardi is a natural striker, who can play as the focal point of Chelsea’s attack. His movement and positioning sense in the final third can help Chelsea add some creativity to their attack.
He is an upgrade, at least on the current form, over both Morata and Giroud and is a player well worth his price tag. Chelsea need to spend big to get back to fighting against the best and should do what it takes to land Icardi this summer.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
