The agent of Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez has been “made aware” that Chelsea are interested in signing the player, according to journalist Hernan Castillo (via All About Argentina).

The 25-year-old scored 28 goals for the Nerazzurri last season as the Serie A side won the Coppa Italia and reached the Champions League final.

With Mauricio Pochettino’s side keen on reinforcing their options upfront, it appears they have identified Martinez as one of their main targets.

Previous reports have suggested that Pochettino is an admirer of his fellow countryman, with it being suggested that Inter may be prepared to sell the forward for around £70m.

A part exchange deal involving Lukaku?

With Inter said to be determined to land Romelu Lukaku, you would have thought that Chelsea would be looking to include the Belgian in any offer for Martinez.

At the moment, though, it seems as if Inter would like to get Lukaku on another loan deal but with a mandatory option to buy in the future.

There is a possibility that, when face-to-face talks are held with Inter about the 30-year-old’s situation, Martinez’s name will also be mentioned.

Chelsea have looked at alternative targets

Although it appears that Martinez would be Pochettino’s choice, there have been other options considered by the Blues.

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen would be an ideal target but the Nigerian international’s €150m asking price has made any deal almost impossible this summer.

Juventus’s Dusan Vlahovic is another name that has been regularly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge. The Serbian would likely be cheaper than Martinez, but he did struggle for goals last season (scoring 14 in total).

With Martinez having scored double that and, with his all-round game a better fit for Pochettino’s style of play, it would not be a surprise if a move for the Argentine is prioritised.