Chelsea join Man Utd in transfer battle for Lautaro Martinez with Alonso or Emerson part of cash-plus-player deal
CHELSEA have reportedly entered the race to snare Manchester United target Lautaro Martinez away from Inter Milan and are willing to offer them a player-plus-cash deal.
The 22-year-old striker seems destined to depart the San Siro in the summer having attracted a number of admirers after chipping in with 16 goals so far this season.
According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Frank Lampard is desperate to bring in a new forward, with Martinez seen as an alternative to Lyon’s Moussa Dembele.
CHELSEA NEWS LIVE: Follow for all the latest on the Blues
They claim that the Blues are willing to offer Antonio Conte’s side one of Emerson Palmieri or Marcos Alonso, with Inter known to be a fan of the Spanish left-back.
Martinez has been on the radar of United for a number of months, with the Times insisting the Red Devils made an enquiry about him last summer.
However they look set to miss out on his signature with the club not prepared to meet his £94million release clause.
The Daily Star have claimed that United had been willing to offer Inter Paul Pogba as part of any deal to sign Martinez.
But it is believed that Pogba isn’t keen on joining the Nerazzurri, with Conte also not sold on the idea of the midfielder becoming part of his squad.
It is now understood that Barcelona are in pole position to nab him in the next transfer window.
The Star add that Martinez has his heart set on making the move to the Nou Camp after being told he will eventually succeed Luis Suarez as their main man up top.
MAKE YOUR DEBUT Bet £5 get £20 in free bets for new customers at Ladbrokes
LATEST CHELSEA NEWS
Martinez recently spoke of his future at Inter, where he conceded that even though he’s a target of many clubs, he is in no rush to leave.
He said: “Today, I’m an Inter player and I’m happy here.
“The fact that they speak well of me means that I’m doing something right and the intention is to continue on this path. I’m calm, happy and at ease with Inter.”