Chelsea’s technical director Michael Emenalo is reportedly in Italy to finalise a deadline day swoop for Torino forward Andrea Belotti
Renowned Italian journalist Adam Digby has stated Sky Italia has reported that Chelsea’s director of football Michael Emenalo is in Italy to seal a shock deadline day move for Torino striker Andrea Belotti.
The 22-year-old as emerged as one of Italian football’s finest prospects, and his spirited performances for Torino have seen him attract interest from a host of Premier League sides. He has scored 14 goals and has assisted another 3 in 19 league appearances this term and could be a huge signing for the top English clubs.
In mid-October, the Italy forward burst into the limelight as Liverpool showed an interest in him. The Reds were willing to shell out €22 million for the services of the 22-year-old, but it appeared to be considerably less than what Torino were holding out for.
A month later, the interest for him increased when Liverpool’s Premier League rivals Arsenal as well as West Ham United joined Liverpool in the race to sign Belotti. However, the Hammers pulled out of the tussle, leaving the door open for Arsenal to secure a huge mid-season signing.
Looking at the growing interest in the player, Marca reported that Torino added an enormous €100 million release clause to his contract, hoping to put off suitors aiming to sign him January.
That did not stop Arsenal from their endeavours as they tabled a cheeky £56 million bid for the 22-year-old, which was eventually turned down by the Italian club. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger, however, denied making any offers for the player, claiming that the club are not keen to sign him.
Now, if recent reports are to be believed, Chelsea are also interested in signing the player, and could complete the transfer on deadline day. The Blues have been linked with him for a few days, and Emenalo is reportedly doing all he can to bring him to Stamford Bridge before the window slams shut.
Belotti has been touted as a replacement for the errant Diego Costa whose future at Chelsea is uncertain. The Spain international was involved in an alleged bust-up with the club hierarchy, but has made peace with them to continue playing.
That being said, he has been linked with a move to China and could part ways with the London club come the end of the season.
