Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is reportedly eyeing a deal for Torino striker Andrea Belotti, also a target for Arsenal, to replace wantaway striker Diego Costa
Italian publication TuttoMercatoWeb are claiming that Chelsea have reignited their interest in the in-form Torino striker Andrea Belotti. The forward has been the subject of a failed bid by Arsenal recently and it seems Chelsea are now set to pursue the Italian international as a potential replacement for Diego Costa.
Diego Costa’s exit speculation has taken a bit of a backseat for now but with talks of a new contract still in troubled waters, it is expected that the Spaniard will soon leave Stamford Bridge, in the summer at least, particularly with the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid interested in the forward.
Conte has been linked with a move for many strikers recently with the whole conundrum surrounding Costa’s future along with Michy Batshuayi, Chelsea’s summer signing, failing to impress the Italian enough to see him as a worthy replacement for the Spaniard.
Andrea Belotti has been on absolute fire in Italy for Torino this season. 14 goals and 4 assists in 18 Serie A appearances alone, the 23-year-old has proven himself to be more than just a nuisance and his form has propelled him to the Italian national team as well, with 3 goals in 5 games for them as well.
The player was linked with a host of top clubs, mostly from the Premier League, with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and even Manchester United linked with a move for the player. But the player signed a new five-year deal at Torino, one that includes a €100 million release clause, as per Tribal Football.
Arsenal were linked with a £56 million bid for Belotti, one which was reportedly rejected swiftly by Torino as the forward seems set to stay with the club for this season at least. And as per the report, Conte is looking to bring the player over to Stamford Bridge before the start of the new campaign.
Andrea Belotti could relish the chance to work under one of the most coveted and brilliant Italian managers in Antonio Conte and at Chelsea, he will have an array of world-class superstars to team up and learn with in his footballing journey ahead.
There is sure to be renewed interest in the striker by the other suitors as well. But, if Chelsea do manage to end up the season in the same position they find themselves now, they will surely have the edge over others in Belotti’s pursuit.
