<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/chelsea/">Chelsea</a> have been one of the surprise packages in the 2024-25 Premier League season, with new coach Enzo Maresca quickly assembling a competitive side in less than six months. As they aim to elevate their squad to the next level, reports suggest that Chelsea are preparing a three-player swap deal, plus cash, to secure Inter Milan’s star forward <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lautaro/">Lautaro Martinez</a>.



One of Chelsea’s key issues this season has been the lack of a consistent striker to lead the line. La Masia graduate Marc Guiu has struggled to make an impact, while starting No. 9 Nicolas Jackson offers versatility due to his pace but lacks the physical presence and link-up play Maresca demands from his frontman. 



According to Argentine outlet El Grafico, Chelsea are prepared to offer <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-milan/">Inter</a> three players—Carney Chukwuemeka, Benoit Badiashile, and Mykhailo Mudryk—along with a cash sum to tempt the Italian club into parting with their talisman Lautaro Martinez.



The three Chelsea players are in a difficult situation at London. Chukwuemeka is reportedly seeking an exit due to limited playing opportunities, while Badiashile has found himself relegated to a backup role in Maresca’s setup. Mudryk’s inclusion is more complex, as the Ukrainian winger is currently serving a ban after testing positive in a routine drugs test.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241228_WST_546108_Lautaro-Martinez-Inter-1200x675_669a6f1b.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-546136" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/28153807/Lautaro-Martinez-Inter-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/28153807/Lautaro-Martinez-Inter-300x169.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/28153807/Lautaro-Martinez-Inter-768x432.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/28153807/Lautaro-Martinez-Inter-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/28153807/Lautaro-Martinez-Inter-740x416.jpg 740w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/28153807/Lautaro-Martinez-Inter-490x275.jpg 490w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/28153807/Lautaro-Martinez-Inter-250x140.jpg 250w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/12/28153807/Lautaro-Martinez-Inter.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Team coach <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/enzo-maresca/">Maresca</a> seems to be looking for a striker in the transfer market, to the point that he highly praised Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, who coached at Manchester City. “Working hard off the ball, on the ball he understands the game and he can score goals. Because of his age, I think he can be an important player for England,” said about the striker, hinting at some important features he looks in a striker.


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<h2>Inter’s reluctance to sell Martinez</h2>



Since joining Inter Milan in 2018, Lautaro Martinez has cemented his place as one of the most prolific strikers in world football. His performances last season earned him a seventh-place finish in the Ballon d’Or voting, following a standout 2023-24 campaign where he helped Inter win <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/serie-a/">Serie A</a> and lifted the Copa America with Argentina.



However, the current season has seen a dip in his form. Martinez has managed just one goal in six UEFA Champions League appearances and six goals in 15 Serie A matches—significantly lower than the 24 goals he netted in 33 league games last season, where he was the top goal scorer.



Despite this decline, persuading Inter to sell Martinez will require more than Chelsea’s current offer. The Italian club is reluctant to part ways with their captain, who remains central to their project despite recent financial challenges to sign players. For Martinez himself, he has settled comfortably in Italy, making a move away from his comfort zone less likely.

Three players and cash for Lautaro Martinez: Chelsea reportedly planning big offer for Inter star

Chelsea reportedly planning three-player swap plus cash for Inter star Lautaro Martinez - World Soccer Talk

Chelsea reportedly planning three-player swap plus cash for Inter star Lautaro Martinez

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New negotiations for Romelu Lukaku’s summer <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/juventus-persuade-chelsea-loan-lukaku-option-permanent-deal/blt5cecd4ac64ba9412" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">transfer to Juventus</a> from Chelsea are imminent.



The Old Lady is reportedly still interested in signing Romelu Lukaku. The Serie A powerhouse is stepping up its pursuit of the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/chelsea-tv-schedule/">Chelsea</a> striker during the current transfer window. This summer, the Belgian international is worth $44 million to the Blues.



After spending last year on loan at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/inter-milan-tv-schedule/">Inter</a>, Lukaku has garnered interest from many Italian teams, including the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza side. However, after learning of the Belgian’s discussions with their arch-rivals, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/teams/juventus-tv-schedule/">Juventus</a>, Inter decided to <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/inter-pull-out-of-lukaku-deal-for-bizarre-reason-20230715-WST-443499.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">end their pursuit of the veteran striker</a>.



<h5>Juventus contact angered Nerazzurri&nbsp;</h5>



A single choice, such as contacting Juve, may have far-reaching consequences for Lukaku now. The Chelsea forward failed to improve under Simone Inzaghi’s wing, as he had an injury-plagued season back at Inter on loan from Chelsea.



Nonetheless, he contributed to several key goals in the second part of the 2022/23 campaign. As a result, this summer, he was expected to return there permanently.



Despite Inter’s best efforts, they were unable to bring the ace back on a permanent $44 million transfer. The Belgian player ignored the club’s offer and didn’t return their phone calls. Even his former teammates sought to get in touch with Lukaku, now 30, to find out what was going on.



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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">🗣️ Lautaro Martinez on Romelu Lukaku&apos;s failed move to Inter: “Lukaku? I was disappointed, it’s the truth. “I also tried to call him in those days of chaos, he never answered me, the same with my other teammates. "After so many years together, after so many things lived… <a href="https://t.co/wzy8OCx3nD">pic.twitter.com/wzy8OCx3nD</a>— SPORTbible (@sportbible) <a href="https://twitter.com/sportbible/status/1684484384231940096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2023</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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<h2>Lautaro Martinez blasts former Inter teammate Lukaku</h2>



Lautaro Martinez, who has played alongside Lukaku in the striking position for three of the previous four seasons at Inter Milan, says he made an effort to get through to his former teammate. However, none of it helped.



“I was disappointed, it’s the truth. I also tried to call him in those days of chaos, he never answered me. The same he did with my other companions. After so many years together, after so many things lived together, I was disappointed. Thankfully, it’s his choice. I wish him the best”, Martinez made the startling revelation during an explosive interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.



PHOTO: IMAGO / Sports Press Photo

New Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez has lashed out at his ex-teammate, Romelu Lukaku, for considering a move to Juventus.

Lautaro addresses Lukaku Inter snub with sharp comment

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Lautaro Martínez’s development takes a back seat to the focus on Argentina surrounding Lionel Messi. However, the Inter Milan star is by no means a passenger to Argentina’s recent string of successes.
Argentina extended its unbeaten streak in all competitions to a staggering 33 games with a <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/06/05/messi-conjures-up-five-timer-in-estonia-friendly/">5-0 thrashing of Estonia</a>. Consequently, Argentina slowly rises back to the pinnacle of international soccer. In fact, many considering them among the early favorites for the 2022 World Cup.
Despite a stellar history and talent, the Messi-led era is largely underwhelming. World Cup heartbreak in 2014 preceded successive failures in the Copa America. Argentina hit a low as a soccer nation in 2017. Star strikers Sergio Agüero and Gonzalo Higuaín failed to live up to their club performances. Argentina’s lack of clinical finishing cost the side dearly. However, Lautaro Martínez, colloquially known as El Toro, spun this narrative on its head.
The young forward from Bahía Blanca is unstoppable for club and country. With 21 goals in just 38 international caps, the Inter Milan striker played an integral role during Argentina’s 2021 Copa America and 2022 Finalissima glory. As the nation turns its focus to La Albiceleste, Argentine hearts hope that the striker’s magnificent run of form continues in Qatar.
<h5>Early potential</h5>
Since his time in Argentina’s youth squads, Lautaro looked like a star. Named the <a href="https:\/\/golazoargentino.com/2016/08/02/argentina-u20s-seal-place-in-cotif-final-with-victory-over-venezuela/">best player in the COTIF tournament</a>, he was the top scorer for the nation’s youth team. He followed these successes at a club level. Magical performances with Racing Club’s youth academy earned him a spot with the senior squad. He made a substitute appearance replacing Inter and Argentina legend Diego Milito.
After another two years of strong performances for Racing Club, the forward earned a move to the Nerazzurri. Inter Milan has a tradition of producing Argentina talent at the top. Clearly, Lautaro Martínez was in good hands at the San Siro. Compatriot Mauro Icardi immediately took Martínez under his wing. The duo formed a strong partnership in preseason. Yet, tactical adjustments soon returned Lautaro to the bench.
His debut season showed flashes of brilliance. A last-gasp winner against Napoli represented the turning point for the young striker. Off-the-field drama left club captain Mauro Icardi out of the squad. Therefore, Lautaro finally had a chance to prove his worth as a starter. He answered the call.
<h3>Lautaro Martínez development breaks through for Inter Milan</h3>
His inspiring derby performance and overall consistency impressed many Inter fans. To be fair, most of the Inter supporters had enough of Icardi’s drama. Lautaro continued his strong performances to the end of the season. His consistency up top inspired Inter to a second-consecutive Champions League qualification.
The following season started with controversy for the Nerazzurri. Incoming manager Antonio Conte ousted Mauro Icardi and opted for Romelu Lukaku to complete the pair up top in his coveted 3-5-2 formation. With Lautaro finally an undisputed starter, the 19/20 campaign gave him room in the spotlight to star for one of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Alongside Lukaku, they formed one of Europe’s most clinical partnerships. Inter had a strong season. It finished second in Serie A, the club’s highest finish since second in 2010/11. In Europe, Lukaku and Martínez propped the San Siro side into the Europa League Finals. Only Sevilla could stop the Italian club in the end. They continued the next season just where they left off, with the duo combining for 41 goals in the league.
<div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-342920 aligncenter" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20220613_WST_389529_Lukaku-Inter-Milan.webp&amp;width=750&amp;height=500" alt="" width="750" height="500" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Lukaku-Inter-Milan.jpg 750w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Lukaku-Inter-Milan-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Lukaku-Inter-Milan-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2021/08/Lukaku-Inter-Milan-150x100.jpg 150w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px"></figure></div>
<h5>Scudetto then departures from key figures</h5>
The following season, Lautaro and Lukaku improved even further. A combined 41 goals in league play alone led Inter back to Serie A’s summit. Inter’s 19th Scudetto solidified Lautaro Martínez’s spot among the great strikers in Europe. Following the season, Lukaku and Conte both departed, but Lautaro’s loyalty kept him in Italy.
The 21/22 season had its ups-and-downs. Lautaro had his highest scoring season in professional football at <a href="https:\/\/www.transfermarkt.us/lautaro-martinez/leistungsdaten/spieler/406625">29 goal contributions in 49 games</a>. The Argentine was critical to Inter Milan’s Supercoppa and Coppa Italia victories. His goalscoring droughts were disheartening to Nerazzurri supporters. Yet, these failures can be just as much attributed to poor tactical decisions by Simone Inzaghi.
Plus, no striker paired with Lautaro quite like Lukaku. Edin Džeko attempted that role alongside Lautaro most often this season. Wayward touches and disjointed passes damaged Martínez’s linkup play. Lukaku or Juventus option Paulo Dybala could be on the move this summer, with Inter as a serious candidate. That could work wonders for Lautaro, who is still just 24 years old.
<h5>Further development</h5>
Overall, Lautaro Martínez’s development could go beyond his early successes. He possesses all the qualities sought-after for a striker in the modern game. A bulky build, rapid acceleration and quick feet are just a few of the tangibles in the Argentine’s toolkit. Then, aspects like leadership and high-pressing nature allowed both club and country to reap the rewards.
One shortcoming of Lautaro’s that became increasingly evident was his inconsistency from the penalty spot.
If Lautaro is able to shore up this aspect of his game, he looks prime to be a clutch player that La Selección will count on for many years to come. His unrivalled passion coupled with his undeniable quality bodes well for Lionel Messi’s dream of bringing a World Cup trophy home to Argentina. The two have formed an excellent pairing, as their chemistry extends far beyond their years together. At just 24 years old, Lautaro will hope that he can add another illustrious trophy to his cabinet this winter.
With the weight of a nation on his shoulders, El Toro will hope to set the pitch alight on the world’s biggest stage.
PHOTO: Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images

Lautaro Martínez exhibits development that already produced success at the club level with Inter Milan and internationally with Argentina.

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Chelsea reportedly planning three-player swap plus cash for Inter star Lautaro Martinez

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Lautaro addresses Lukaku Inter snub with sharp comment

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Lautaro Martínez develops into elite option for club and country