Why Chelsea and Tottenham are watching ‘new Ibrahimovic’ Satriano
Inter striker Martin Satriano may only have played a handful of first-team games, but Tottenham and Chelsea have seen enough to convince them that the striker is a player worth following.
Satriano has featured four times for the reigning Serie A champions, but is presently out on loan at Ligue 1 side Brest, where he is hardening up ahead of a presumed return to the Italian side.
While in France, the 21-year-old centre-forward has scored four goals in 12 matches and has played a not insignificant role as he has helped the Breton club lift themselves away from any relegation danger. Given that he has made only eight starts, it is an impressive return and one that merits the notice he has generated.
But Satriano has long been a player tipped for the top, with Tottenham even linked with a potential move in the summer.
“Italian and foreign clubs wanted to sign him. We already knew it but this is proof the player is appreciated by many,” agent Nick Maytum told FC Inter News in September.
“Inter told us Satriano will have his opportunities. With so many games and three competitions to play, his time will come.”
Though his time has not come at Inter yet, head coach Simone Inzaghi remains a fan of the player, meaning it will be hard to prise him from the club.
Is Satriano the next Ibrahimovic?
Although Martin Satriano is a fan of Karim Benzema, he has been compared to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Such lofty comparisons are often unhelpful for young players starting out, but at least it provides a point of reference.
Brest coach Michel Der Zakarian, meanwhile, has given a more complete rundown of the player.
Speaking in April, he said: “He likes to be involved in the game. He has a good grinta, reads the game well, moves well, uses both feet, can head the ball and has an eye for goal.
“He doesn’t have great speed, but he’s powerful. He’s a good attacker, complete. I think he’ll have a good career.”
Indeed, the player models himself on Atletico Madrid striker Luis Suarez and Manchester United’s Edinson Cavani, with the latter perhaps a more comparable player due to Satriano’s physical and aerial attributes.
If signed by Chelsea or Tottenham, Satriano would be a player for the future with the capacity to make a difference from the bench immediately.