Roman Abramovich creates two-man shortlist for a striker in the summer
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will aim to sign a striker for the club in the summer transfer window, as per Calciomercato (h/t Express). The Russian oligarch has identified two names that he intends to pursue.
Frank Lampard needed to bring in a striker in January to provide competition for Tammy Abraham. Unfortunately, it was not to be and Lampard will now have to contend with Michy Batshayi and Olivier Giroud.
According to Calciomercato (h/t Express), Abramovich has identified Lyon’s Moussa Dembele and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez as summer transfer targets.
Martinez has enjoyed a stellar season at Inter Milan. The 22-year-old has scored 16 goals in 27 appearances for the Italian giants. Manchester United and Barcelona are among a number of clubs interested in securing the signature of the striker, who has a £94 million release clause.
Dembele has similarly enjoyed an impressive season in the Ligue 1. The former Fulham striker has scored 18 goals in 33 appearances this season and was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in January. (h/t Daily Star)
The French striker remains Chelsea’s top transfer target for the summer with Martinez being considered as an alternative. The Blues could include Marcos Alonso or Emerson to sweeten the deal for Inter Milan.
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Chelsea have relied heavily on Abraham for goals this season, at times to the extent of overplaying him.
Football is rife with the example of players such as Robbie Fowler and Micheal Owen, who burnt out from playing too much at a young age.
Bringing in another striker will not just add competition for Abraham but also give him a chance to rest and recuperate rather than being overplayed.