Chelsea are keen on strengthening their squad in the summer and have been linked with a move for Inter Milan’s in-demand striker Lautaro Martinez. The 22-year-old is a highly-rated striker who could significantly improve the Blues’ attack.
As per Evening Standard, Martinez is one of three strikers on Chelsea’s watchlist, with the other two being Lyon’s Moussa Dembele and RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner. The report states that the Argentine’s release clause at Inter Milan is at £94 million. Martinez joined the Italian club from Racing Club in Argentina in 2018 for a fee of around €22.7 million.
He has since scored 26 goals and provided 5 assists in 62 appearances in all competitions for Inter. 17 of those goals have come in the current season as he has formed a good partnership with Romelu Lukaku upfront. Lautaro Martinez’s contract with Inter expires only in 2023. He has been in superlative form for his national team as well, scoring 9 goals in 17 appearances.
Lautaro Martinez to Stamford Bridge: A good move for Chelsea?
Chelsea desperately need to sign a striker in the summer as Olivier Giroud is set to leave on a free transfer, while backup striker Michy Batshuayi has failed to prove that he is good enough for Chelsea. That potentially leaves manager Frank Lampard with just Tammy Abraham as the only viable option up top, which is not adequate for any side in the Premier League, let alone a club who would be targeting the Premier League title.
Abraham has done well in his first full season with the Blues, but he hasn’t been consistent enough in the last few weeks after a strong start to the season which is understandable given his age and the accompanying inexperience. Lautaro Martinez could be a fantastic signing for the Blues as he is a player that can not only score goals, but also offer great creativity, work-rate, and a never-say-die attitude. The Argentine likes to take on defenders with his dribbling and pace, while he is a good finisher, with the ball at his feet and in the air.
Martinez has delivered in club and international football in his short career so far and could adapt easily to Chelsea’s style of play as well as the Premier League. His energy and drive would be a perfect fit at Chelsea and the Premier League. He is one for the present and the future, and the Blues should definitely target signing him but will have to be quick movers with interest expected to magnify when the summer transfer window gets going.
