Chelsea to sign 'The Next Ibrahimovic' from Italy

Antonio Conte has made adding a striker to his squad in the January transfer window a priority, and the Blues are listed amongst a multitude of suitors that want to sign Pietro Pellegri from Genoa, as per Italian news outlet Calciomercato.

The 16-year-old forward gave shockwaves nearby Europe when he became the youngest ever player to score a brace in Serie A while a 3-2 defeat to Lazio which warned some top clubs.

Inter Milan and AC Milan are thought to be huge fans of the Italy U19 player but a transfer to either side looks unlikely, while Chelsea will meet rivalry from Manchester United for his transfer.

‘We are talking about a potent striker,’ the agent told French outlet FootMercato.

‘Let’s just say he has the qualities of a young Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He’s not just a revelation in Italy, but one of the greatest young European footballers.

‘Don’t forget, at the age of 16, and he got a brace versus Lazio.

‘It’s not shocking he has been linked with Chelsea and PSG, as many big European teams are pursuing him.’

Pellegri made his first-team first appearance for Genoa last December as a 15-year-old and has gone on to perform nine games after coming through their youth ranks, scoring three goals.

The young forward is valued at £36m by Genoa which would be a massive risk for a player who has only netted three senior goals to date.