Chelsea leading race to sign Serie A striker ahead of Liverpool

Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign Inter Milan striker Marcus Thuram ahead of Liverpool this summer.

The Blues have had a mixed Premier League campaign, but they remain fourth in the table by the slimmest of margins.

The club are expected to spend big on a new striker this summer and they are reportedly lining up an offer for Thuram.

The Frenchman has netted 16 goals and provided four assists for Inter this season, but he could be on the move soon.

He has a release clause worth £71m in his contract and Football Insider claim that the Blues are preparing to pay the fee.

Liverpool are also keeping tabs on the World Cup finalist, but the Blues have an upper hand over them in the pursuit.

Thuram started off his career as a left winger, but he has transformed into a genuine goalscoring striker in recent seasons.

Inter are still determined to keep hold of him and they are expected to propose a new contract to cancel the buy-out clause.