Chelsea have turned their attentions to Inter Milan maverick Mauro Icardi in an attempt to boost their striking options for the upcoming season and Valencia are preparing a move for 29-year-old winger Pedro.
The recent sacking of Roberto Mancini raises doubts over the futures of many players in the Nerazzurri camp. Despite the the arrival of the new investors this summer, Inter still face financial problems and will be forced to part ways with a few of their players in order to raise funds for Frank DeBoer to strengthen the squad. With Chelsea, Napoli, Tottenham and Arsenal all previously reported to be interested in the striker, there is no shortage of suitors for the Argentine.
With Diego Costa’s immediate Chelsea future still uncertain and a move for Romelu Lukaku seemingly unlikely, the Blues have turned their attention to 23-year old Mauro Icardi in a bid to bolster their attacking options for the upcoming season. According to the Daily Star, Antonio Conte is a big fan of Icardi and it is understood that he’s the man the Italian wants at Stamford Bridge. The striker is rated at €50 million, but Chelsea could use Oscar to help see the move through. Earlier, it was reported that Inter were interested in bringing the Brazilian to the San Siro and had approached Chelsea over a possible deal. Last week it was reported that Chelsea had placed a £30(€35) million price tag on the 24-year-old. A swap deal or a possible cash+player deal might just tempt the Nerazzurri into parting ways with their captain.
Despite having what many might consider to be an ‘off season’ by his standards, Icardi managed to net 16 goals last term, preceded by a superb 27 goals in 48 appearances in the previous campaign. With over 60 goals in just 135 professional appearances, the former Barcelona youth player is certainly one for the long term and after already having acquired Michy Batshuayi this summer, Chelsea may very well be able to establish a fearsome strike force for many years to come.
Valencia plan Pedro swoop
The decorated Spaniard endured a difficult season at Chelsea last term. Chelsea’s fall from grace last season was one that was anything but expected and the events leading to the sacking of Mourinho and Chelsea’s 10th placed finish was something Pedro would have likely never expected when he joined the 2014/15 Premier League champions. After a bright start to his Chelsea career, Pedro’s influence and game time slowly faded over the course of the season and reports emerged of the midfielder wanting a return to Catalonia, a move which was later ruled out.
Now according to Fichajes.net, La Liga side Valencia are planning to launch a bid for the 29-year-old Spanish international. The report states that Pako Ayestaran believes that his side need more attacking players and the fact that Pedro could be deployed on the wings as well as a center forward is seen as an added bonus. The report further states that Los Che would be willing to part with around €20 million to bring the former Barcelona attacker to the Mestalla.
Pedro has seen himself lose his place in the Spanish International team as a result of his drop in form and below-par performances for the Blues last term. A move back to La Liga may be exactly what the former world champion needs to rejuvenate his career. With Moses, Cuadrado, Kennedy, Hazard, Willian and Oscar all vying for a limited number of attacking spots, Chelsea and Conte may be tempted to sell the winger in order to make space and funds for others in the squad.
