Chelsea are unlikely to make a move for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez this month, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Journalist Simon Phillips had suggested that the Argentinian international could be an option for the Blues but, writing in his Daily Briefing Substack column, Romano said that the forward is expected to remain in Italy and sign a new contract with Inter:
“Everything I’m hearing is that Lautaro is going to sign a new deal at Inter shortly. He’s key player for Inter, I don’t see him leaving the club, and at the moment this is not part of the club’s plans at all as they will agree on new contract soon.”
Some fans on X feel Martinez would have been a good signing but others are backing Chelsea to recruit alternative targets instead:
I think he's a good experienced option
— mojojojoCFC (@mojojojo_cfc) January 1, 2024
In the World Cup, he looked like a proper Chelsea striker – missing chances after chances.
— Shukla-G (@Shuks80) January 1, 2024
We need him
— @soda22🇺🇬 (@isaacsoda22) January 1, 2024
Victor osimhen or nothing dis window 💙🙏
— Jude linus (@Judeskylinus) January 1, 2024
I swear I’d want Martinez also he’s a fighter the kind of profile that fit EPL.
— PISCES FEB 27th ♓️🐬🐬 (@Pisces101Sa) January 1, 2024
Get me Osimhen I'm ok
— FELIXINHO 🇳🇬🇧🇷 (@mrfelixchfc) January 1, 2024
Yes he's better suited for us than Victor Oshimen
— TheChelseaScout™️ (@TheChelseaScout) January 1, 2024
Martinez has been in outstanding form this season
The Inter captain has been scoring goals on a regular basis for his club since the beginning of the campaign, hitting the back of the net 17 times in only 23 appearances.
Probably the highlight was the 4 goals Martinez scored after coming on as a substitute in the 4-0 win over Salernitana back in late September.
Chelsea will be considering a number of options to strengthen their forward line
If, as expected a move for Martinez is not possible, the Blues will have several alternatives lined up. As some supporters have mentioned, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is on the club’s radar but they would likely have to wait until next summer to sign the Nigerian international.
Brentford’s Ivan Toney will also come under consideration when his ban for betting infringements ends later this month.
