25-year-old Rooney called ‘solid’ is Chelsea’s preferred striker option, wants to work with Pochettino

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Chelsea are now prioritising a deal to sign Lautaro Martinez from Inter Milan after the Argentine emerged as Mauricio Pochettino’s preference.

That is according to the Daily Mail.

So, what is the latest on Lautaro Martinez and Chelsea? Let’s take a look…

What’s the story?

Well, it is said that Chelsea are still searching for a new No.9 despite the arrival of Christopher Nkunku and the imminent signing of Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal.

Martinez is described as the favoured choice at Stamford Bridge, in a summer where Chelsea have also been linked to the likes of Dusan Vlahovic and Victor Osimhen.

The Inter Milan No.10 – according to the Express – is very interested in working with Pochettino at Stamford Bridge, and is believed to have a £60m price tag this summer.

Martinez enjoyed a fantastic 2022/23 campaign as Inter Milan won the Coppa Italia and reached the UEFA Champions League final, scoring 28 goals in all competitions.

Dean Jones recently added more detail to the South American’s situation, telling Give Me Sport that the Argentina international is very keen to play in the Premier League.

By all accounts, Martinez – who was once called a “solid” striker by Wayne Rooney – would jump at the chance to join Chelsea if a bid is made.

Armando Broja may be concerned by Lautaro Martinez to Chelsea

If Chelsea do end up bringing the 25-year-old Martinez to west London, Armando Broja may be asking where his game time will come from.

Pochettino typically uses just one out-and-out striker in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, and can choose from the likes of Nkunku, Romelu Lukaku – if he is not sold – Raheem Sterling, and the incoming Jackson.

That may not seem like much congestion in the striker department.

However, it must be remembered that Chelsea do not have any European football on the schedule for next season, so those on the fringes will only get the FA Cup and Carabao Cup to showcase their talents if they aren’t being selected to start in the Premier League.

Therefore, if Pochettino adds Martinez to his attacking ranks, Broja may choose to seek assurances about his playing time.