Chelsea targeting Serie A striker and could agree to shock swap deal

Chelsea are seriously considering a move for Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez, just 12 months after splashing out almost £100 million on his former strike partner Romelu Lukaku. 

As per The Athletic, the striker has emerged as one of the Blues top targets now that Todd Boehly has completed his takeover of the club.

If the 24-year-old did join Chelsea, it would reunite him with Lukaku, although Italian media are also reporting that Inter are intent on re-signing the Belgian.

According to Calciomercato, the Serie A side now regard Lukaku’s return as a ‘primary need’, having missed out on the league title by just two points.

Inter are believed to have arranged talks with the player in the coming days, in the hope of getting a deal agreed as soon as possible.

Lukaku scored 64 goals in 95 games for the club and was crucial alongside Martinez as Inter cruised to the Serie A title last term.

Inter were beaten to the Serie A title by two points, with rivals AC Milan triumphing

This season has been very different for the Belgium international, though, as he has managed just 15 goals across all competitions.

The former Manchester United man also gave a controversial interview to Italian media last year, something that didn’t sit well with Chelsea fans or Tuchel.

The German is believed to be open to selling the striker, although the Blues will struggle to regain much of the £100 million that they paid for him.

If the Serie A side are willing to let Martinez go, a deal could potentially be agreed between the two clubs that would see the the players swap employers.

Martinez has scored 21 goals in 35 games this season, and is valued by his current club at around £60 million.