According to a recent report by Spanish publication Sport, Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester United are both said to be preparing moves for Inter Milan’s Argentine international striker Lautaro Martinez in the summer. The report suggests that the Premier League duo are keen on adding striking reinforcements to their ranks, with Chelsea looking for an attacker to compete with Tammy Abraham, while City search for Sergio Aguero’s eventual successor.
Although the report suggests that the pair of English clubs are willing to ‘break the transfer market for Lautaro Martinez’s signature’, another piece by Italian publication TuttoSport, as cited by the Daily Mail, has hinted at some heavy interest from Catalonia as well.
It is claimed that Barcelona are also viewing Martinez as a high-value summer target, as they look to acquire a long-term successor to their Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez. The worrying part for the English clubs will be that the Blaugrana are said to be willing to pay his full £101m release clause.
What Makes Lautaro Martinez An Attractive Prospect For Chelsea?
The young Argentine striker has consistently delivered the goods for Inter in the Serie A right from the opening weeks of the competition. Despite being just 22, the striker showcases excellent awareness and maturity while on the pitch. Adept at timing his runs in behind, the attacker’s youthfulness and high-energy approach to the game make him a difficult runner to stop as well. Strong both physically and mentally, Martinez proved that he has the strength and physicality required to excel in Europe by playing alongside Lukaku this season.
The youngster has already notched up an impressive nine goals from 17 caps for the Argentine national team, while his stats from the Serie A season so far read 11 goals and three assists from 22 appearances. The former Racing Club attacker has proven to his critics this season that he’s got what it takes to perform at the highest level, and his five goals in the Champions League this term is an exhibition of just that. Also, the fact that he can play as a lone striker or as the part of a strike-duo will come as a bonus to any of his suitors.
Why Chelsea Must Beat City And Barcelona To Martinez’s Signature
The Blues’ struggles in front of goal this season have been no secret, and in the absence of young Englishman Tammy Abraham due to injury, Chelsea have failed to fill his void effectively. Although Michy Batshuayi was handed the responsibility in the first half of the campaign in Abraham’s absence, the Belgian’s efforts in front of goal were mediocre, and Frank Lampard was quick to drop him back down to the bench.
Although Olivier Giroud was brought back into the side as a last resort, if it wasn’t for the Frenchman’s presence, the Blues might not be in the top half of the table at this point. Although Martinez is a very different kind of striker to Giroud, it must be considered that he is also a different kind of striker to Abraham. The addition of a quality attacker like Martinez to the side would not only help bring the best out of Tammy Abraham, but it would also help this young Chelsea side place their next steps in the right direction.
