Chelsea have found their attacking options limited this season, but Frank Lampard may have found a suitable forward in the transfer market. Many rumours have surfaced, including Timo Werner and Moussa Dembele, however Sport reports that Chelsea will hijack the FC Barcelona transfer of Inter Milan star, Lautaro Martinez.
REPORT: Chelsea to Hijack Barcelona Transfer of Lautaro Martinez
Lampard Looks for New Number Nine
Chelsea are in dire need of a striker. Tammy Abraham has been an amazing goalscorer so far this season, but injuries and lack of squad depth have left Chelsea struggling to find goals. Before next season Chelsea will likely be even more lightweight up top. Olivier Giroud‘s contract is up in the summer, and Michy Batshuayi will likely force an exit after getting barely and playing time this season.
FC Barcelona have been eyeing Lautaro Martinez since the winter, and have identified him as their primary transfer target. However, Barcelona are not willing to meet his €111million (£100m) release clause, because they believe it is too excessive. On the other hand, Chelsea are ready to hijack the transfer and spend however much money is needed to bring in the Argentinian.
Why Lautaro Martinez?
Martinez is only 22 years old but has already taken the footballing world by storm. In the summer of 2018, he transferred from the Argentian side, Racing Club, to Inter. He took no time to settle in, immediately setting up one of Europe’s deadliest striking duos with Romelu Lukaku. He has scored 17 goals in 31 appearances this season. If he were to move to Chelsea, his partnership with Tammy Abraham could be lethal.
Lautaro Martinez’s team next year is still undecided. He is highly sought after by many of Europe’s elite. Although Chelsea are willing to spend more money for the striker, it seems that Martinez wants to go to Barcelona to play with his fellow Argentinian international, Lionel Messi. However, the Catalan side know they are in a tough race for the striker and nothing is decided yet. Wherever he ends up, he will be a valuable asset for his team.
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