Javier Zanetti claims Chelsea target and Inter Milan star Lautaro Martinez is not for sale
Chelsea target Lautaro Martinez will not be sold by Inter Milan, according to vice president Javier Zanetti, who believes the player is an integral component of the team.
In the meantime, Martinez has been recommended as the ideal striker for the Blues by Chelsea’s new boss, Mauricio Pochettino, who is pushing the club to recruit the Argentine striker.
Martinez still has three years left on his contract, but selling him could help Inter to balance their budget. However, Zanetti has stated that they intend to keep the striker through this season. The 25-year-old has been outstanding for the Serie A team this season, with 20 goals in 35 Serie A matches.
The World Cup winner’s lone goal in the second leg of the Champions League match against AC Milan was enough to advance Inter to the competition’s final with a 3-0 aggregate score. He will now have a chance to secure the biggest trophy in European club football.
After the game, (h/t Metro), Zanetti talked about Martinez’s performance and his future and said:
“I’m delighted for him; he’s making an extraordinary journey. He grows every year; he’s fundamental and an important reference on the team. Yes, for now, we are holding on to him. Let’s enjoy it.”
“He’s very happy here; he has found his home and his family, and I hope it lasts as long as possible.’’
Martinez is having a fantastic year with Inter, but he isn’t the striker we need to fix our goal-scoring issues since he is inconsistent in front of goal. Instead, we need aggressive strikers, and the likes of Victor Osimhen and Harry Kane would fit the profile.
The 25-year-old does have excellent instincts and it is easy to see why Pochettino wants him. The Argentine manager helped Kane into a world-class goalscorer and could yet repeat the trick with the Inter ace.
More Chelsea News:
- Chelsea keen to retain goalkeeping coach Ben Roberts
- Mauricio Pochettino keen to build his Chelsea squad around Colwill, Mount, Gallagher and James
- Frank McAvennie backs Chelsea to sign former Liverpool star Sadio Mane
Chelsea loanee Romelu Lukaku is also set to return to west London once his season-long spell at Inter expires in the summer. The Belgian and Martinez have a solid partnership and could yet rekindle it at Stamford Bridge.