Real Madrid are reportedly weighing up the possibility of signing Andrea Belotti from Torino before the end of the transfer window.
Spanish publication Don Balon have reported that Andrea Belotti is the subject of interest from Real Madrid, who are set to end their interest in Kylian Mbappe for a cheaper alternative. Chelsea are also reportedly interested in signing the Torino striker before the transfer window slams shut.
Belotti shot to prominence last season as he stood toe-to-toe with the most prolific strikers in Serie A, waging a lone battle for Torino for the most part. 26 goals and a scoring rate 118 minutes per goal, the player finished third on the numbers chart, with both figures bettered only by Edin Dzeko and Dries Mertens.
Belotti’s exploits have seen him attract interest from the best clubs in Europe, although Torino chairman Urbano Cairo has repeatedly insisted that his star striker is going nowhere this summer. Nevertheless, the Italy international continues to remain a popular figure in the transfer market, with Chelsea and Real Madrid interested.
At Chelsea, Antonio Conte is a huge admirer of the player’s talents, having closely followed his progress for a long time. And with the Italian manager desperate to beef up his squad before the end of the transfer window, he has turned his attention towards Belotti to bolster his attacking options.
Diego Costa has been exiled from the squad and will not play for the West London club again, leaving Conte with Michy Batshuayi and Alvaro Morata as his only options up front. While Morata seems to be taking to life in London well, Batshuayi hasn’t been able to stamp his authority thus far.
But, the Blues will not have a clear run in their pursuit of the Italian striker, with Real Madrid set to make a move for him as well.
Zinedine Zidane has moulded quite a formidable squad during his time at the Bernabeu, winning seven trophies with his men in less than two years. However, the Frenchman is reportedly looking to iron out the minor chinks that remain; and a striker is a priority, as he publicly admitted earlier this month.
Indeed, following the departure of Mariano Diaz and Alvaro Morata this summer, Karim Benzema is the only recognised striker at Zidane’s disposal. And having gone nowhere in his pursuit of Kylian Mbappe, Belotti is not just a cheaper, but a more feasible target for the Real Madrid boss.
But, Torino chairman Urbano Cairo has remained defiant on the club’s stance on the player, insisting that he will not be sold this summer. The two suitors, though, could stand a chance of landing Belotti if they meet his €100 million.
Chelsea have been reluctant to meet the aforementioned figure, and have had previous bids rejected for the 23-year-old. It now remains to be seen if the Blues raise their offer for him, and if Real Madrid are willing to pay his release clause to secure the player’s services.
