Lukaku and Lautaro send Pochettino message as transfer stance revealed

Mauricio Pochettino could operate a two-man strike force at Chelsea next season following reports that the Argentine is eager to sign Lautaro Martinez

Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez have proven exactly why Mauricio Pochettino is looking to arm Chelsea with the Inter Milan duo next season. The 51-year-old has been heavily linked with the head coach vacancy at Stamford Bridge for last month or so, and a decision has finally been made.

It's believed that Pochettino is yet to put pen to paper, but he's expected to do so in the coming days. Unlike Graham Potter, the Argentine will have a full pre-season to get his feet under the table and begin planning for next season.

Pochettino appears to have an idea of his perfect starting line-up by already targeting reinforcements to the frontline. According to Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport earlier this month, Romelu Lukaku will be offered the chance to redeem himself at Chelsea upon his return from loan at Inter Milan.

As for Martinez, the Daily Mail have reported that the west Londoners will also make an effort to sign the Belgian's striker-partner in the summer. Lukaku shares an excellent understanding with the Argentine striker and their latest performance offers an insight into what Pochettino wants at Chelsea.

Between them, they scored three in Inter Milan's 4-2 win over Sassuolo at the weekend. Lukaku and Martinez were very impressive as they leapfrogged Lazio into third in Serie A.

Interestingly, Pochettino has been an admirer of the latter for a while now. Three years ago, the former Spurs boss was full of praise for Martinez.

"Lautaro Martinez is one of the best strikers in the world," Pochettino told Radio La Plata. "It's not just for what he does now, but for what his potential means going forward. If you start looking at hitmen for the big clubs, clearly his name has to be in there."