Revealed: Real Madrid and Chelsea to MISS OUT on top striker signing

James Shearman

• Updated: 16 Nov 2023 17:50 GMT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid and Chelsea look set to miss out on the signing of Lautaro Martinez, as the Inter Milan forward is hoping to agree a contract extension.

Martinez was linked with a summer move to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he would have replaced the outgoing Karim Benzema.

Instead, Los Blancos signed 33-year-old Joselu - who has been steady, but unspectacular thus far.

ALTERNATIVE?: Why Grimaldo could be an option for Real Madrid

Indeed, Jude Bellingham has scored a remarkable number of goals (13) in the 2023-24 season.

But, Carlo Ancelotti's side would go to another level with an elite centre forward, such as Martinez, in their ranks.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have been looking for a world class 'number nine' since Diego Costa left in 2017.

The likes of Alvaro Morata, Gonzalo Higuain and Timo Werner have all failed to fill that void, so there are no guarantees that Martinez would either.

But, the Argentinian has an outstanding goal record in Serie A, netting 91 times in the league in 185 appearances since joining from Racing Club. His all-round game is equally impressive, too.

Similarly to Real, the Blues would go up a notch with the 26-year-old leading their line.

Lautaro Martinez's agent

Even though Martinez is under contract at San Siro until 2026, his agent, Alejandro Camano, revealed that he is looking to extend his deal.

"I say that it is very important for me and for Lautaro that Inter is willing to listen to us for a new contract, despite a contract until 2026,” Camano told TvPlay.

"I want to thank the club for this possibility. The important thing for me is the mentality of seeing the possibility that Lautaro could stay at Inter for life, then in football if he were to there is a good moment for another opportunity, for the player and for the club’s accounts, for both of us we will see.

"The relationship with Inter is based on trust. For me the Nerazzurri are a team with a great heart. I believe that we will reach a very good agreement good for Inter and for Lautaro. The boy is 100% focused on the team and I’m working to reach an agreement."