Transfer News: Chelsea consider £85m swoop for Andrea Belotti
According to Italian news outlet Corriere Granato (h/t The Sun), Chelsea are lining up an £85m summer transfer move for Torino and Italy striker Andrea Belotti as an alternative for Erling Haaland.
The 27-year-old has been a consistent, prolific goalscorer in Serie A for Torino season after season. However, with the Granata staring at the prospect of relegation this term, Belotti could be on the move in the summer.
Belotti’s contract with Torino runs out in the summer of 2022, although the club are preparing a two-year extension with an option of a third. His current deal also consists of a release clause worth £85m, applicable for foreign clubs only.
Chelsea are in the market for a new striker as Timo Werner has struggled to live up to the expectations. Erling Haaland and Romelu Lukaku are said to be at the top of the club’s wishlist. (h/t The Sun)
However, both will be expensive options as Borussia Dortmund want £150m for Haaland while Inter Milan have slapped a £102m valuation on Lukaku. Belotti, could thus be considered as a cheaper transfer alternative for Chelsea.
Even though the 27-year-old has a release clause of £85m, he could be allowed to leave for a lesser fee as he shares a strong relationship with the Torino hierarchy.
Chelsea, however, are not the only club interested in Belotti, with London rivals Tottenham and West Ham also keen, along with Everton.
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Belotti has bagged 11 goals and six assists in 25 Serie A appearances this season. At 27, he is entering the peak years of his career and has had plenty of experience at the top level in Serie A.
It remains to be seen if Chelsea do launch a move for the Italian international in the summer.
