Chelsea keen on part-exchange in Lautaro Martinez deal, Liverpool enter Leao race

TRANSFERS Chelsea keen on part-exchange in Lautaro Martinez deal, Liverpool enter Leao race

Kiplagat Sang • 16:20 - 22.04.2023

Both English sides are hoping to sign top-level strikers in the coming transfer window.

Chelsea have reportedly set sights on Argentina and Inter Milan forward Lautaro Martinez.

The Blues are pondering a part-exchange plot with Inter Milan involving Romelu Lukaku plus cash.

The Argentine might be tempted to face a new challenge and leave Nerazzurri, and one of his possible destinations is tipped to be Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the World Cup winner, but the move could face a challenge as Milan value him at around €90-100 million.

Chelsea are understood to be laying plans to sign a high-profile striker, and other names that have been said to be on their transfer wishlist are Victor Osimhen of Napoli and Dusan Vlahovic of Juventus, but the Blues are now keen on the Argentine.

Rafael Leao

Meanwhile, Liverpool are set to face Chelsea in the race to sign Rafael Leao this summer.

With 11 goals and 12 assists across all competitions for AC Milan, the Portuguese forward has caught the eye of Premier League sides. Leao carries an estimated market value of €80 million.

Liverpool, who have been more reliant on Mohamed Salah for goals, are looking to add more armor to their attacking department. Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo are yet to fully settle since their moves.

Luis Diaz has been sidelined with an injury for a huge part of the season, while Diogo Jota has not been as effective as he is expected in front of goal.

Leao is a proven winner, as he played a key role when AC Milan won the Serie A title last season, and being a world-class star, both Liverpool and Chelsea have been attracted to him.