Transfer Rumour: Chelsea set to make a move for Lazio striker Ciro Immobile

Chelsea reportedly want Ciro Immobile to create a ‘perfect partnership’ with Alvaro Morata, but will have to shell out £53 million for the Lazio striker.

According to a report by The Sun, Chelsea are set to make a move for Ciro Immobile in order to appease manager Antonio Conte and create a ‘perfect partnership’ up front with Alvaro Morata. But, Lazio are set to demand £53 million for their star striker.

Immobile has been a journeyman ever since breaking into the Juventus first-team setup in 2009, representing eight different clubs without enjoying much success. Lazio became his ninth senior club when the player moved from Sevilla last summer, and he seems to have finally found his calling at Stadio Olimpico.

In fact, Immobile has become one of the most prolific strikers in Europe since the move, bagging 43 goals and 11 assists in 55 appearances for the club. This season, the 27-year-old has spearheaded Lazio’s campaign in style, with the Biancocelesti looking like genuine contenders for the Serie A title.

With 13 goals from 10 league games, Immobile is leading the race to become the Capocannoniere with his exploits also helping him cement his place in the Italy National Side. His stellar performances have also made the player a popular figure in the transfer market, with Chelsea the latest club in his pursuit.

At Stamford Bridge, Alvaro Morata has settled in quickly to the challenges of English football, having taken on the goalscoring mantle with aplomb. However, with Michy Batshuayi failing to capitalise on his chances, whenever given an opportunity, Antonio Conte has had little to choose from beyond the Spaniard.

Additionally, the Italian manager has been left aggrieved by Chelsea’s transfer policy in the summer as the club failed to land most of his primary targets. With the Blues starting the 2017-18 campaign in underwhelming fashion as well, rumours have been rife that Conte is set to walk out at the end of the season.

While widespread reports have claimed that Chelsea are lining up replacements, Roman Abramovich is eager to mend fences with Conte. Therefore, Immobile has emerged as a top target for the West London club, with the manager of the opinion that he would complement Morata in attack permanently.

The move for Immobile could help Conte create a fearsome attacking unit, with Eden Hazard behind the striker partnership of the Italian striker and Morata. However, a potential stumbling block is the asking price, with Lazio set to demand £53 million for his services.

Chelsea, though, are not willing to match the price, but are prepared to offer player plus cash for the Italy international. It now remains to be seen if Lazio agree to the compromise and let Immobile go for a slightly lower amount, or stay firm on their asking price.

Chelsea reportedly want Ciro Immobile to create a ‘perfect partnership’ with Alvaro Morata, but will have to shell out £53 million for the Lazio striker.

According to a report by The Sun, Chelsea are set to make a move for Ciro Immobile in order to appease manager Antonio Conte and create a ‘perfect partnership’ up front with Alvaro Morata. But, Lazio are set to demand £53 million for their star striker.

Immobile has been a journeyman ever since breaking into the Juventus first-team setup in 2009, representing eight different clubs without enjoying much success. Lazio became his ninth senior club when the player moved from Sevilla last summer, and he seems to have finally found his calling at Stadio Olimpico.

In fact, Immobile has become one of the most prolific strikers in Europe since the move, bagging 43 goals and 11 assists in 55 appearances for the club. This season, the 27-year-old has spearheaded Lazio’s campaign in style, with the Biancocelesti looking like genuine contenders for the Serie A title.

With 13 goals from 10 league games, Immobile is leading the race to become the Capocannoniere with his exploits also helping him cement his place in the Italy National Side. His stellar performances have also made the player a popular figure in the transfer market, with Chelsea the latest club in his pursuit.

At Stamford Bridge, Alvaro Morata has settled in quickly to the challenges of English football, having taken on the goalscoring mantle with aplomb. However, with Michy Batshuayi failing to capitalise on his chances, whenever given an opportunity, Antonio Conte has had little to choose from beyond the Spaniard.

Additionally, the Italian manager has been left aggrieved by Chelsea’s transfer policy in the summer as the club failed to land most of his primary targets. With the Blues starting the 2017-18 campaign in underwhelming fashion as well, rumours have been rife that Conte is set to walk out at the end of the season.

While widespread reports have claimed that Chelsea are lining up replacements, Roman Abramovich is eager to mend fences with Conte. Therefore, Immobile has emerged as a top target for the West London club, with the manager of the opinion that he would complement Morata in attack permanently.

The move for Immobile could help Conte create a fearsome attacking unit, with Eden Hazard behind the striker partnership of the Italian striker and Morata. However, a potential stumbling block is the asking price, with Lazio set to demand £53 million for his services.

Chelsea, though, are not willing to match the price, but are prepared to offer player plus cash for the Italy international. It now remains to be seen if Lazio agree to the compromise and let Immobile go for a slightly lower amount, or stay firm on their asking price.