A year ago
Chelsea can sign new Diego Costa to correct £216m error & fulfill Pochettino dream
In 2018, the Premier League was witnessing the dominance of Romelu Lukaku at Manchester United, with his relentless attacking performances. Meanwhile, Kalidou Koulibaly was showcasing his defensive prowess at Napoli, warding off threats from opposing teams. Andre Onana, the Ajax goalkeeper, was on the brink of an unexpected journey to the Champions League semi-finals, and Diego Costa was eagerly awaiting his return to Chelsea after a year away.
Fast forward to the present, and the football landscape has undergone significant changes. Lukaku has departed England twice, Koulibaly's talents have attracted interest from top clubs before eventually joining Chelsea, Onana has proven himself as a goalkeeper worthy of a Champions League final, and Costa continues to embody his aggressive playing style. Koulibaly's move to Chelsea has materialized, and there is speculation surrounding Onana potentially becoming a Chelsea player as well. However, the search for a suitable replacement for Costa remains elusive, although there is a possibility that Lukaku could regain his form under the guidance of Pochettino in the preseason.
In the midst of these developments, another player has emerged as a promising prospect for Chelsea: Lautaro Martinez. At 25 years old, Martinez exhibits a level of consistency that appeals to top clubs. His tenacious Argentine work ethic aligns well with Pochettino's coaching style and could potentially see him forming a formidable partnership with his compatriot, Enzo Fernandez. The trio of Koulibaly, Martinez, and Onana would inject a fresh dynamic into Chelsea's lineup, bolstering their goal-scoring capabilities. Martinez's goal-scoring record speaks for itself, with impressive numbers season after season. He has garnered 78 goals in 170 games and is on the cusp of reaching 100 goals for his club.
However, there are concerns that Chelsea has previously attempted to acquire Italy's finest talents with lukewarm results. Lukaku, for instance, struggled to readjust upon his return to London after a successful stint with Inter Milan, where he netted 24 goals en route to winning the league. Nevertheless, Martinez's playing style combines elements of both Lukaku and Costa, which is sure to captivate fans. Experts such as Owen Hargreaves and Javier Zanetti have praised Martinez for his aggressive yet skillful approach, likening him to the likes of Carlos Tevez and acknowledging his all-around contribution to the team.
While it may be unlikely to see both Lukaku and Martinez donning the Chelsea jersey simultaneously, Martinez appears to be the preferred option at this juncture, given his untarnished relationship with the club. Zanetti, a former Inter and Argentina legend, emphasized Martinez's importance to the team and expressed hopes of retaining him for the foreseeable future. As fans eagerly await further developments, it is evident that Martinez's potential acquisition could provide Chelsea with a valuable asset capable of spearheading their attacking endeavors
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