Chelsea are reportedly plotting a January move for Inter Milan superstar Mauro Icardi, who is also a top transfer target for Real Madrid.
According to a report from The Sun, Premier League heavyweights Chelsea are set to make an attempt to sign Inter Milan and Argentina centre-forward Mauro Icardi, who is also being lined up for a January transfer by European champions Real Madrid.
Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri is believed to have grown frustrated with the misfiring Alvaro Morata. The former Real Madrid man has struggled at Stamford Bridge, following his promising start last year. So far this term, he has managed just 3 goals in 12 games and was highly ineffective once again this weekend, as the Blues played out a 2-2 draw by Manchester United.
And having lost his patience with the Spaniard, the Chelsea boss is keen on boosting his attacking contingent in the winter transfer window, with Icardi’s name at the top of his shopping list. The Inter Milan captain has established himself as one of the most prolific goalscoreres in recent years and played an integral role in firing the Nerazzurri back to the UEFA Champions League last season.
In the 2018-19 campaign, the 25-year-old has already netted five times, while registering two assists as well in eight fixtures across all competitions. Icardi’s stellar form has seen him make his way back into the Argentina national team, with the Albiceleste looking to rebuild from scratch after a disastrous 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Sarri has seen Icardi in action from close quarters during his time with Napoli and is of the belief that the striker could prove to be the missing piece of the puzzle in the team he is looking to build at Chelsea. However, signing the 25-year-old will be no cakewalk for the West London outfit, as Real Madrid too have their eyes on him.
Real Madrid have been found wanting big time in front of goal this season under new manager Julen Lopetegui. The Merengues set an unwanted record of the longest goal drought in the club’s history on Saturday (465 minutes) in their 2-1 home defeat against Levante and the manager finds himself under increasing pressure to turn things around.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is understood to be intent on adding a marquee signing to his team’s attack in the January transfer window and Icardi has once again emerged as one of his top targets, having been on the club’s radar during the summer window too. Icardi’s contract with Inter expires in the summer of 2021 and is valued at £90 million by the Serie A giants.
Given Morata’s struggles and uncertainty over the future of Olivier Giroud, who is wanted by West Ham United in January, Chelsea could definitely use someone of Icardi’s quality and calibre in their ranks, as they look to mount a serious title challenge. However, the interest from Real Madrid will complicate matters for the Blues. A huge bidding war could be on the cards in the winter window.
