- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Chelsea scouts flew out to watch a 26-goal striker in person on Monday as they ramp up plans to improve Mauricio Pochettino’s squad this summer.
This weekend’s FA Cup loss proved yet again that Chelsea lack a cutting-edge in the final third when Cole Palmer isn’t firing.
Without Christopher Nkunku around this season owing to his injuries, Cole Palmer has almost shouldered Chelsea’s goal-scoring alone.
And whilst the return of the Frenchman should help next season, Chelsea would also be well advised to address the issue in the transfer market.
That being said, TBR Football understands that Chelsea are doing exactly that, and scouts were in attendance at the Milan derby on Monday.
As Inter Milan claimed the Serie A title with a 2-1 win over their rivals at the San Siro, Chelsea were assessing a number of players.
Inter duo Lautaro Martinez and Federico Dimarco were under the microscope, as well as AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.
Argentine striker Martinez is yet to sign a new contract with the club he captains despite talks that have been ongoing since last year.
Chelsea had scouts at Milan Derby to watch 26-goal striker Lautaro Martinez ahead of summer
TBR sources indicate that Napoli’s Victor Osimhen remains the club’s number one choice, but they appreciate that Paris Saint-Germain could be in the driving seat for any deal.
Left wing-back Federico Dimarco did sign a new contract with Inter late last year, but Chelsea remain admirers of the Italian international.
As for Mike Maignan, the goalkeeper has been a long-term target for the club, a player who has just two-years left on his deal.
TBR sources understand that the Blues are in the market for a new number one this summer, given the club’s hierarchy believe they need to improve their goalkeeping options.
Of course, any of the moves mentioned above would probably be very welcome from a Chelsea fan perspective.
Lautaro Martinez broke 72 year record at Inter Milan this season
Chelsea need a striker who can support Nicolas Jackson, who is struggling to provide a consistent end product.
And off the back of another remarkable season with Inter, Lautaro Martinez could be the perfect option.
The £80m-rated striker has just broken a 72 year record by scoring 20 goals in three consecutive Serie A seasons for the club, a remarkable feat.
Chelsea can only dream of that level of consistency and goalscoring from one of their strikers right now, something that could soon change.
All that being said, Ally McCoist has just compared one Chelsea player to Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez.
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