Chelsea set for disappointment in Mauro Icardi and Krzysztof Piatek transfer pursuits
Chelsea are set for disappointment in their pursuits of forwards Mauro Icardi and Krzysztof Piatek, reports say.
The Blues have made a fine start to the 2018-19 campaign, with new manager Maurizio Sarri winning nine of his first 11 games in charge of the club.
But even during Chelseas impressive run, the former Napoli boss has called on his team to improve both offensively and defensively.
One area that is particularly troubling Sarri is his options up front, with Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud scoring just three goals between them this season.
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Their poor form has somewhat been masked by Eden Hazards prowess – the Belgian is the top scorer in the Premier League – but Sarri has already identified attacking targets ahead of the January transfer window.
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Inter Milan star Icardi and Genoas Piatek have caught the Premier League clubs attention but the Evening Standard say it is unlikely that either will be arriving through the doors at Stamford Bridge.
Icardi, who was strongly linked with a move to Chelsea in 2016, has a release clause worth almost £100million, but crucially it is claimed the Argentine would only be willing to leave Inter for Real Madrid.
Meanwhile, Genoa have reportedly ruled out the prospect of selling Piatek, 23, midway through the season.
Poland international Piatek only joined Genoa in the summer but has already netted 13 goals for the Italian club.
Speaking earlier in the month, Piateks agent said his value had already rocketed up following his impressive start to the season.
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Szymon Pacanowski said: “Many clubs have contacted us over the last few weeks.
His value has certainly risen over the three months in Serie A, but right now we are happy to remain at Genoa.
Chelsea, who are currently third in the Premier League – two points off the league leaders – welcome BATE Borisov to Stamford Bridge on Thursday before travelling to Burnley at the weekend.
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