Mauricio Pochettino identifies Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez to lead Chelsea attack next season
MILAN, ITALY - APRIL 30: Lautaro Martinez of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on April 30, 2023 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Chelsea new boss Mauricio Pochettino has identified 25-year-old Inter Milan star striker Lautaro Martinez as their primary transfer target ahead of next season.
In course of the season, Chelsea realized they need to solve their managerial and center-forward problems. After firing Graham Potter the West London side have not find his permanent replacement until agreeing a deal with ex-Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino.
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Frank Lampard was only named a caretaker coach with the Englishman leaving his post for Pochettino to take over next season. With the coaching role solved, it is left with the no.9 position for Chelsea to consider and the new boss and his club have reportedly discussed about potential names.
It’s understood Lautaro Martinez is the player the discussions have concluded on with Pochettino believed to like the Inter Milan forward to lead his attack at Stamford Bridge next season.
According to a report by Fichajes, Chelsea are keen on having Lautaro Martinez in their ranks. The 25-year-old is one of the best strikers going around. And, there are quite a few clubs who have an eye on him. However, the Blues have made him their main target for the upcoming summer transfer window.
Martinez has had a lot of success with club and country over the past few seasons. And, his numbers in front of the goal are exceptional. The 25-year-old has scored 98 goals and also has 34 assists to his name during his time at the Italian club.
As far as the ongoing season is concerned, the Argentine international has been involved in 51 matches. He has found the back of the net on 24 occasions and also has 10 assists.
Martinez was sensational in the FIFA World Cup 2022. He played a key role in helping Argentina lift the ultimate silverware. Meanwhile, his recent form has attracted a lot of attention from across Europe.
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However, his contract at Inter runs until the summer of 2026. And, it won’t be easy to prise him away from the Italian club, who will have the upper hand in the negotiations. But, reports suggest that they could let him leave for a fee close to €80 million.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are keen on having him in their ranks. The Blues have struggled in the ongoing season and haven’t been efficient enough in front of goal and are in desperate need of a new number nine. With Chelsea struggling to score, they have identified Martinez as a primary transfer target heading into the summer window.
The Blues are all set to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their next boss. And, as per reports, he is already involved in their transfer planning. In addition, Pochettino’s appointment might play a big role in the signing of the 25-year-old. The former Tottenham boss knows the Inter forward well from his time in Argentine football.
The arrival of Martinez will not only add goals to their ranks, it will also make their attack a lot more potent. The 25-year-old is a complete forward who can not just score but also create chances.
And, he is amongst the best when it comes to linkup plays. However, it will be interesting to see if the Blues are willing to pay the €80 million to prise him away from Italy.
