Jump directly to the content
MAUR FOR MOR

Chelsea eye January moves for Inter Milan ace Mauro Icardi and Krzysztof Piatek as Maurizio Sarri gives up on Alvaro Morata

Blues chief eyes in-form Serie A strikers as he targets a Premier League title charge in his first season at the Bridge

Sponsored by

INTER MILAN star Mauro Icardi and Genoa new boy Krzysztof Piatek are on Chelsea's January wishlist as Maurizio Sarri targets more strikepower for his title charge.

Boss Sarri has grown frustrated by Alvaro Morata's continued struggles up front, while World Cup winner Olivier Giroud has been goalless for the Blues since May.

 Argentina striker Mauro Icardi would surely be by far the most expensive option
4
Argentina striker Mauro Icardi would surely be by far the most expensive optionCredit: AP:Associated Press

say Argentina frontman Icardi is Sarri's dream option.

But the 25-year-old would command a huge fee, even though a £97.5million release clause only becomes active next summer.

In contrast, Piatek would be far cheaper despite being an instant success during his debut season in Serie A.

Former Cracova ace Piatek, 23, already has nine goals for Genoa, including four against Lecce in the Copa Italia.

 Krzysztof Piatek has raced to nine goals in his first season in Italy after a £3.5m move from Poland's Cracova
4
Krzysztof Piatek has raced to nine goals in his first season in Italy after a £3.5m move from Poland's CracovaCredit: Getty - Contributor

And after making his Poland debut in a 1-1 draw with the Republic of Ireland in September, he netted the opener in a 3-2 Uefa Nations League defeat at home to Portugal this month.

Sarri is keen to act in the next transfer window as his only real selection difficulties since his summer switch from Napoli hvve been in attack.

He retained Spain forward Morata in the summer - but without reward.

And now at least one new striker seems certain to sign in January.

Man Utd manager Jose Mourinho comments on Marco Ianni after he verbally abused him at Chelsea game
 Alvaro Morata has yet o convince at Stamford Bridge since signing from Real Madrid in July 2017
4
Alvaro Morata has yet o convince at Stamford Bridge since signing from Real Madrid in July 2017Credit: Getty Images - Getty

AC Milan's Patrick Cutrone, 20, who has one cap for Italy, is also a possibility.

And Icardi would certainly be out on his own in terms of cost.

So if Sarri really is determined to get him it could be the first big test of how much Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will back his Italian manager in mid-season.

So far Sarri has impressed everyone at Stamford Bridge.

His squad quickly adapted to a fast-flowing style that has left the unbeaten Blues third, two points behind Liverpool and champions Manchester City.

 Patrick Cutrone is thought to be on the Chelsea radar after just one full term for AC
4
Patrick Cutrone is thought to be on the Chelsea radar after just one full term for ACCredit: Getty Images - Getty

MAURO ICARDI and

Topics