INTER MILAN have sent a message to Chelsea over their interest in Lautaro Martinez.
That’s after the striker fired his Italian side in the Champions League final last night.
GettyInter Milan have warned Chelsea off star striker Lautaro Martinez[/caption]
Martinez, 25, grabbed the only goal of the game in Inter’s 1-0 win over AC Milan.
The result secured a 3-0 aggregate victory for the Nerazzurri, setting up a June final against either Man City or Real Madrid.
Martinez has now matched last season’s tally of 25 goals in all competitions.
And he is just one strike away from a century after five seasons at the San Siro.
Chelsea are keeping tabs on Martinez as they search for a new No9.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is their top target for incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino.
But his £150million price tag could prevent the Blues from making a serious offer.
And Martinez is seen as a “cheaper” alternative in an inflated market.
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It’s believed the World Cup winner with Argentina could be tempted by a move to the Premier League.
Inter strike partner Romelu Lukaku is also likely to return to Stamford Bridge next season.
And that could further tempt Martinez into joining compatriot Poch in London.
However, Inter Milan have warned Chelsea they have absolutely no plans to sell Martinez.
The Italians will have to offload several stars to balance the books.
But club legend and vice-president Javier Zanetti is adamant Martinez won’t be one of those sacrificed this summer.
Zanetti declared after the win over Milan: “I’m delighted for Martinez, he’s making an extraordinary journey.
“He grows every year, he’s fundamental and an important reference in the team.
“Yes, for now we are holding on to him. Let’s enjoy it.
“He’s very happy here, he has found his home, his family, and I hope it lasts as long as possible.”