Chelsea have emerged as a top destination for Andrea Belotti, as his club Torino are prepared to sell him only to a foreign club and not to a Serie A rival, according to the Independent. Belotti has emerged as one of the top centre forwards in the business. He scored a remarkable 26 goals in 35 league appearances last season. The goals have enabled him to achieve international stardom with several clubs taking a look at the player. Manchester United registered the first interest in the Torino forward several months ago, and the Red Devils were prepared to meet the players release clause, which currently stands at around £84 million. (Daily Mirror)
Torino have made it certain that they would not sell the player to a local rival. This has worked into the hands of Chelsea, who have also entered into the race to sign the player. After missing out on the signature of Romelu Lukaku, we are certainly desperate for centre forwards. Diego Costa is almost certain to leave the club before the end of this transfer window after he has been allowed to miss the first week of preseason in anticipation of a move back to Atletico Madrid. The likelihood of signing Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid is growing increasingly tough, and the Spaniard is expected to link up with Madrid for the pre-season tour of the US.
This leaves very few alternatives for Chelsea in order to sign a replacement for Costa, and the champions have already begun pre-season. Manager Antonio Conte was keen to sign most of the targets before the start of pre-season, but he now accepts that it will be a tough start to the season indeed. Signing Belotti will not be easy, as Torino are refusing to let him go for anything less than his release clause. As a result, Chelsea may end up being €100 million for the forward.
One of the reasons for Chelsea director of football Michael Emenalo being keen on Lukaku was his Premier league experience. Even before the summer, Antonio Conte wanted to sign Morata (Daily Express). Belotti has the ability to succeed as a forward in the Premier league, and the guidance of an Italian manager like Conte will only benefit him. At 23 years of age, he has the best years ahead of him and Chelsea may not think twice about signing him even at €100 million.
