Transfer Talk: Chelsea enter race for Inter star Martinez

Chelsea are the latest Premier League club to signal an interest in Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez and will offer Romelu Lukaku in return to get the deal done.

Argentine star Martinez, 25, is one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards after scoring 81 times in 197 appearances for Inter since arriving in 2018.

He has started the current campaign in similar fashion, netting six times in 11 Serie A outings so far.

Martinez has attracted plenty of interest from the English top flight in recent years, with Italian media reporting the Blues have now put their name in the hat.

With Lukaku currently on loan at Inter, the West Londoners will include the chance to sign the Belgian permanently in their bid for strike partner Martinez.

Todd Boehly and Co hope that will set them apart from other Premier League rivals, which include Tottenham, Manchester United and Newcastle.

The 40-cap international, who has netted 21 times for his country, is currently tied down to the Italian giants until 2026.

They value their No10 at around £77million, which Spurs reportedly offered at the start of last season.

In other news

Tottenham striker Harry Kane, 29, has put contract talks on hold until after the World Cup, according to The Evening Standard.

Dutch media report that PSV’s dire financial situation means they will be forced to accept a £25m bid for much sought-after forward Cody Gakpo, 23.

Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle are all chasing Danish winger Gustav Isaksen, 21, from FC Midtjylland but face competition from AC Milan, say Calciomercato.