Chelsea are reportedly prepared to offer Mykhailo Mudryk and two other stars in exchange for Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.
The summer transfer window might’ve only just shut, but attention is already turning towards who Chelsea can lure to Stamford Bridge in January.
One player emerging as a potential target is Argentine Martinez, who has endured a sluggish start to the season at Inter.
Yet to score this term, Martinez featured for 25 minutes during Inter’s goalless draw away to Manchester City this week.
But if things go to plan for Chelsea, Martinez could be making a return to England on a permanent basis.
The Blues are said to be keen on bringing the forward to the club, with reports suggesting they would be willing to splash up to £84million on his signature.
It comes after Chelsea missed out on their summer transfer targets, namely, Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney, who joined Galatasaray and Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli respectively.
However, there is also talk the capital club could present the Nerazzurri with a three-man swap deal, which includes Ukrainian winger Mudryk – a player Chelsea spent £88m on last year.
As per the report, Chelsea could also offer up Benoit Badiashile and Carney Chukwuemeka – two more players who were signed following Todd Boehly’s takeover two years ago.
It’s claimed the trio would allow Chelsea to snatch Martinez for next to nothing in transfer fees, while also helping shift three players who have failed to establish themselves in the squad
There had been hope, specifically in Mudryk’s case, that new boss Enzo Maresca’s arrival would help get the best out of Chelsea’s talented starlets.
But that hasn’t turned out to be the case so far, with Maresca having already publicly blasted Mudryk for his performances.
Speaking after he hooked the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk star at half-time during Chelsea’s recent win over Wolves, Maresca explained: “Because I was not happy.
“In some moments we can manage some situations better. He was working hard off the ball but on the ball, I expect a bit more quality from him.
“He had some good moments today but the reason why was to change it and give Pedro [Neto] some minutes.”
Since then, Mudryk has played just 17 minutes in the Premier League for Chelsea.
He should get more opportunities in the coming weeks, given Chelsea return to League Cup action at home to Barrow next Tuesday.
Before the two-time European champions’ Conference League campaign kicks off away to Gent the week after.
