According to Fichajes, Chelsea might overtake Manchester United after making £70 million-rated Inter Milan attacker Lautaro Martinez one of their top transfer targets this summer.
Martinez is widely regarded as one of the best attackers in the world, and the 25-year-old was a member of Argentina’s squad that won the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar on penalties after a 4-2 victory over France.
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He has made 51 appearances in all competitions for Inter, scoring 24 goals and registering 10 assists as the Milan giants look to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League final.
His strong form has led to him being connected with a slew of clubs, with sources saying that Manchester United is keeping a close eye on him ahead of the summer transfer season.
Erik Ten Hag needs to add more goals to his team, and Martinez has been reported as a target for Manchester United, alongside Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.
top priority
However, it appears that Chelsea is poised to overtake United, as Fichajes cites a source from the print edition of the Daily Mail claiming that the Blues have made Martinez one of their top objectives this summer.
In recent weeks, the Blues have been linked with a move for the World Cup winner, and incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino is said to be keen on working with the Argentina international next season.
Pochettino, according to the internet news outlet, knows Martinez well and wants him to lead his new-look attack next season. Chelsea will welcome Romelu Lukaku back to Stamford Bridge when his contract expires at the end of the season, after a season-long loan spell with Inter Milan.
Lukaku has built a strong relationship with Martinez at Inter, scoring 12 goals in 12 games, although he is expected to be traded in the summer. A new striker is thus required, and Martinez appears to be on Chelsea’s radar.
Chelsea will have to spend £70 million for the South American’s signing, according to Fichajes. The Blues are expected to sell players after the season, but Pochettino – who will be confirmed as the new Chelsea manager in the coming weeks – believes that bringing in a forward is a priority.
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We’ll have to wait and see whether Manchester United increase their interest in Martinez, but as things stand, it appears Chelsea will be first in line to sign the striker if he decides to move to England.
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