Chelsea identifies Lautaro Martinez as Victor Osimhen’s alternative
Chelsea has now set their sights on Inter Milan hitman Lautaro Martinez. The Mauricio Pochettino team is keen to add an explosive striker in the coming summer window and has listed a few options that can bolster the club’s No. 9 position.
According to Express, the Argentine is another possibility the Blues will look to sign, despite Victor Osimhen remaining their priority acquisition in the next transfer market. The report further adds that Martinez could be an alternative to Osimhen if they fail to bring the Nigerian centre forward.
Martinez is currently enjoying a productive spell with Inter, having tallied 23 goals in 26 Serie A appearances this season. And if he continues to remain at the peak of his performance, the forward’s stocks will certainly rise in the next transfer window.
Meanwhile, Osimhen remains Blues top target, and now the West Londoners are preparing a first offer for the former LOSC Lille striker. Chelsea will hope to test the resolve of Napoli, who have locked down their star striker to a new contract with a new release clause of £113 million ($143m).
Meanwhile, Inter are set to demand £80 million for Martinez, which the Blues could meet as they hope to sign a quality and experienced centre-forward for next season to provide Nicolas Jackson with genuine competition.
Martinez over Osimhen?
Picking between the two will be complicated because they have quite different playing ideas, and there are many unknowns regarding who would fit best with Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea. Osimhen scored 31 goals in 39 games in all competitions the previous season, dominating Serie A, but he hasn’t done much to stand out this year.
Martinez, meanwhile, is having an incredible time at Inter this year. It all comes down to how a forward can find his scoring flair in a team and how assembling an entire team around him is the most important part of squad building for a forward. Osimhen and Martinez are versatile strikers who contribute to the team’s development, although Osimhen is more aggressive and explosive.
Osimhen makes room for himself in the box, and he will undoubtedly succeed if he has the assistance of other players. The 24-year-old may not have performed at his peak this season due to changes in Napoli’s management, which may have interfered with his ability to adapt to their system.
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Although Osimhen is likelier to fit Chelsea’s style, both strikers are outstanding. We should target Osimhen in the summer because he is also our most desirable signing.
