Chelsea receive Andrea Belotti transfer boost as Blues eye Erling Haaland alternatives

Chelsea: Tuchel says he wouldn't want fight with 'leaders'

When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Torino striker and reported Chelsea target Andrea Belotti is unlikely to renew his current deal with the Serie A relegation candidates, according to reports from Italy. The Blues are on the lookout for a new striker ahead of next season, with their current options somewhat limited for a side with genuine ambitions of winning domestic and European silverware.

Veteran striker Olivier Giroud is approaching the end of his career at 34 years of age, while Tammy Abraham has struggled to convince Thomas Tuchel of his first-team credentials since the German manager’s arrival.

Meanwhile, summer signing Timo Werner has often been deployed in a supporting role after failing to live up to expectations when trusted to start at the tip of Chelsea’s attacking trident.

Tuchel has been forced to field Kai Havertz up top in a number of recent outings, highlighting his side’s dire need for a world-class striker to lead the line.

Borussia Dortmund talisman Erling Haaland is said to be at the top of Chelsea’s summer wish list, but the Bundesliga outfit are unlikely to part ways with their star man for anything less than £130million.

The Norway international’s hefty price tag has seen the Blues draw up a list of alternative options.

JUST IN: Chelsea could sell 11 players to fund Haaland transfer this summer

Inter Milan star and former Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku has been linked with a summer return to Stamford Bridge, with his contributions in front of goal this season helping the San Siro giants put one hand on their first Scudetto since 2010.

Torino’s Belotti is believed to be another back-up target amid the current uncertainty over his immediate future.

Chelsea could have a strong chance of landing the 27-year-old this summer, as he is not expected to commit to extended terms with his current employers, according to Tuttosport.

Belotti will be out of contract at the end of next season, and the report claims that there is ‘no sign of optimism’ to suggest that he will agree to a new deal.

If he decides to refuse all offers, there is the possibility that he will be sold during the summer months to avoid his departure on a free transfer next year.

Belotti has started all but two of his side’s Serie A matches since the beginning of the campaign, chipping in with 12 goals and six assists in the process.

His contributions at the top of the pitch have helped Torino to steer clear of the drop zone and aid the club’s ambition of retaining their top-flight status into next season.

However, if Il Toro are relegated against the odds, he would surely be angling for a move as he is unlikely to be willing to stick around and play Serie B football.

Reports have claimed that Belotti is valued at around £85m, but this figure could drop significantly if his side fail to stay up this season.

Torino president Urbano Cairo suggested in February that the club would do everything in their power to keep hold of their star man, suggesting that their hopes of brokering a new deal are not completely dead in the water.

“He’s scored so many goals, he is a leader and our relationship must continue,” Cairo told Radio Anch’io Sport.

“I know [Torino sporting director Davide] Vagnati is working on his contract extension and I am going to take the field too. That’s our target and we’ll make an announcement when there will be something to say.

“We want to extend his contract and I don’t see why he should not have the same idea. He’s spent six seasons at Torino, he’s done a lot for us and Torino have done a lot for him.”

Source: Read Full Article