Transfer Talk: Lautaro can break Chelsea's striker curse

Manchester City will be very aware of the threat posed by Lautaro Martinez ahead of Saturday's Champions League final.

The Inter Milan striker, 25, has enjoyed arguably his finest campaign in Europe to date and as a result, the Nerazzurri may find keeping him at the San Siro past this summer a tough task.

New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly keen on recruiting his Argentine compatriot — whose contract expires in 2026.

Ahead of Saturday's clash in Istanbul, we shine the spotlight on the marksman and see whether he could be the signing to break the West Londoners' striker curse.

Goal threat

After netting a brace in Inter's Coppa Italia final victory over Fiorentina last month, Martinez acknowledged he was in the "best form" of his career.

And the World Cup winner's numbers speak for themselves.

In this season's Serie A, the all-action forward finished second in the Golden Boot race with 21 goals, behind only Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen.

He also ranked second in the Italian top flight for shots (127) and shots on target (53), further highlighting what a menace he is in the final third.

In comparison, Chelsea's top scorer Kai Havertz managed only seven Premier League goals, while mustering just 71 shots and 33 shots on target.

Martinez would add a completely new dimension to the Blues' forward line and undoubtedly give them a more clinical edge.

All-round package

At the World Cup in Qatar, Martinez's team-mate Lionel Messi said: "Lautaro is a very important player for us, he is a striker who lives by scoring goals."

But Inter's No10 bring so much more to the table than just goals.

In Serie A this term, he created nine big chances and 46 chances overall, higher totals in each department than any Chelsea player managed in the English top flight.

The bullish striker completed 28 take-ons, too, with only Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke and Ruben Loftus-Cheek racking up superior tallies over in West London. 

And Martinez also ranked sixth in Italy's top tier for possessions won in the attacking third (25), showcasing the pressing game that every manager wants from their team's focal point.

The Inter star's combination of power, creativity and skill makes him the perfect modern day striker, which is why Pochettino was already labelling him as "one of the best in the world" back in 2020.

Transfer battle

But Chelsea are not the only elite club keen on signing Martinez. 

Manchester United have asked for information on the striker according to recent reports, while Arsenal and Real Madrid have also been linked with the 48-cap interrnational.

Old Trafford legend Paul Scholes would love to see Martinez join the Red Devils, saying in March: "I like Lautaro Martinez. I think he's [Erik] ten Hag's type of player, [who will] run about, be aggressive, go against people."

With those three clubs able to offer Champions League football for next season too, the Blues may struggle to land one of the hottest properties in Europe. 

And unless Inter have to sell to balance the books, Martinez may opt to remain in Milan — especially if Simone Inzaghi's side are crowned European champions on Saturday.