Premier League giants, Chelsea, have identified Inter Milan’s Ltauro Martinez as a possible alternative should they fail in their attempt to sign longtime target Victor Osimhen during the transfer window.
Osimhen has been on the Blues radar since last summer but Napoli managed to hold on to the Nigeria international.
December 2023, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis shared images of Osimhen signing a contract extension with the club until 2026 with a new release clause over £100m, in a huge transfer blow to Chelsea.
However, despite the extension, Chelsea never gave up on their pursuit of the Super Eagles striker with several reports adding that the 25-year-old might not stay in Naples beyond the summer of 2024.
Osimhen is one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe and has been linked with several clubs, including Manchester United, Paris Saint Germaine, Real Madrid and Liverpool.
A few days ago, rivals Chelsea and Arsenal were also said to tested the waters for the Napoli striker with an offer of €90m.
Chelsea have splashed over £1bn in the past two years, and have not recouped a lot of cash with their ability to make big signings now depending on making big sales this summer.
British publication, football365.com, reported that despite being regarded as the favourites to land the Nigerian striker, the Blues has another Serie A striker Lautaro Martinez as a backup option if they are unable to get Osimhen.
The Argentine has two years left on his current contract at Milan and will come cheaper compared to the Nigerian.
Last season, Osimhen scored 26 Serie A goals in 32 appearances as he helped Napoli win their first league title in 33 years but has only managed 11 goals and three assists in 17 appearances in the Italian topflight league this campaign.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
