Lautaro Martinez is reportedly among the players courted by Chelsea, as potential alternatives for top target Erling Haaland this summer.
A recent report from ESPN has shed light on Chelsea’s market activity this summer. The Blues are preparing for life without Olivier Giroud and are expected to sign at least one new striker, with Erling Haaland reportedly emerging as the top target.
However, they are well aware of the interest surrounding the Borussia Dortmund starlet and have, thus, created a list of alternatives that includes Lautaro Martinez. The Inter Milan forward has been making waves in Serie A for the past couple of years, with Chelsea now ready to offer him a route to the Premier League.
A product of the Racing Club academy in his native Argentina, Martinez, along with Romelu Lukaku are the two main protagonists of Inter’s brilliant revival under Antonio Conte this season. The forward has already netted 15 goals so far, with an additional eight assists that have helped the Nerazzurri almost run away with the Serie A title.
Martinez’s performances are not only restricted in the Italian top-flight either as the 23-year-old has also impressed for the Argentine national team , netting 10 goals in just 19 appearances. As such, he is even favoured by Lionel Messi, which is why the player was linked with a move to FC Barcelona, even though the transfer did not materialise due to lack of funds.
At Chelsea, Martinez would presumably play in a similar role as he has, so far, at Inter. He could partner Timo Werner either in a 4-4-2 or a 3-4-1-2 with the German featuring as a winger alongside another playmaker like Mason Mount or Christian Pulisic.
It should serve Thomas Tuchel really well, as the German tactician does prefer a versatile attacking unit, while the partnership between Werner and Martinez is sure to raise some eyebrows in itself.
From a sporting perspective, the Argentine could be a direct replacement for Giroud, whose current contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the season. He can also prove to be an upgrade over Tammy Abraham, who has struggled with a lack of game-time.
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Chelsea, however, have been linked with numerous other alternatives to Martinez, including his Inter teammate Romelu Lukaku. It appears a lot could depend on whether or not the Nerazzurri are willing to part ways with one of their prized assets by demanding a higher fee, although the Blues have more than enough cash to burn this summer.
