Inter weigh up January move for Chelsea star as Lukaku alternative

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is one of four names being considered by Inter Milan as they look for a reliable alternative to Romelu Lukaku, according to reports.

Lukaku made a big-money move to San Siro from Manchester United in the summer, and has already scored two goals in three Serie A appearances, but a sub-par performance against Slavia Prague in the Champions League on Tuesday has forced Inter to reassess their options.

It took a stoppage time goal from Nicolo Barella to salvage a draw for Antonio Conte’s side, with Milanese paper Gazzetta Dello Sport singling out Lukaku as their worst player.

Consequently, Calciomercato.it suggest Inter are weighing up a January move for a backup striker with a similar profile, as all their other options – Lautaro Martinez, Alexis Sanchez and Matteo Politano – have different playing styles.

While they could promote promising 17-year-old Sebastiano Esposito from within, CM.it say that a new signing is not beyond the realms of possibility when the transfer window reopens in January.

Having missed out on Roma’s Edin Dzeko this summer, fellow Serie A based strikers Andrea Petagna, of SPAL, and Kevin Lasagna, of Udinese, are listed as targets, but the website warns it could be difficult to prise either away in January, given that they are both crucial to their respective teams.

Therefore, it is suggested that they could turn their attentions abroad – with a loan bid for Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic being considered, as well as a move for Giroud.

The French striker will be out of contract at the end of the season, so is viewed as a cheap option who can still bring strength and international experience to the club.

Giroud has been restricted to just one start this season following the emergence of Tammy Abraham, who is tied with Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero as the Premier League’s top goalscorer, with seven goals after five games.

 

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