Chelsea set to beat Barcelona to signing Inter forward Lautaro Martinez as West London submit official bid
Lautaro Martinez has been linked with a move to Barcelona the most and recently Chelsea, where at Camp Nou he is touted as Luis Suarez’s long term replacement. The Argentine’s agent Alberto Yaque confirmed to Ole Barcelona’s interest in his client last year, saying, “The voice of Barcelona’s interest is true. Nobody called us, but we know that there is a strong, important survey. It is certain that there is a liking on the part of Barcelona.”
But Chelsea have emerged as the immediate favorites to land the Argentine striker after his Yaque failed to rule out Martinez’s move to Stamford Bridge just last month, and reports claiming the Blues have submitted £97.5milion bid for the striker.
Barca were understood preparing to add flop Philippe Coutinho to Martinez transfer but Inter boss Antonio Conte doesn’t fancy the supply of the Brazilian play-maker where Conte knee to have a wing-back instead and this preference of Antonio Conte is believed to hamper Barcelona’s move for Lautaro Martinez.
Martinez himself despite dreaming to play with compatriot Lionel Messi at club level, may welcome a move to Stamford Bridge where the pressure to shine is relatively low, and Yaque’s recent interview with Radio del Plata makes Martinez’s departure to possible destinations such as Stamford Bridge more open.
‘His constant growth makes the best teams in the world notice him and have that concept. ‘Hopefully he will be rewarded for his effort. We have chatted with many people, but nothing more.
‘For now those who call me are not directly employed by the club. There is nothing formal or serious. ‘It is something dreamed of being the player in the market. He is not expecting anything, all he wants is to play and score goals.’
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Reports from Spain now claim Chelsea have moved a step ahead of their main competitors Barcelona in Martinez’s race after the West London club are ready to trigger the player’s £102million release clause and offer him a £169,000-a-week contract.
The reports further claim Lampard’s side have, on initial basis, submitted a ‘very high financial offer’ of £97.5million to sign Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Chelsea would need striker reinforcements when Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi are expected to leave the club. The Blues have penciled down possible replacements where Lyon forward Moussa Dembélé, Timo Werner and Martinez have been linked to Stamford Bridge.
While Chelsea are believed to agreed a deal with Lyon for Dembele, they could possible reach agreement with Inter Milan over the transfer of Lautaro Martinez.
