Acting as understudy to Romelu Lukaku must feel like being a warm-up act for The Rolling Stones. You can do your best but the baying crowd only want you off the stage so they can see the main event.
So Adolfo Gaich will certainly have his work cut out if he’s willing to become Robin to Romelu Lukaku’s brilliant, belligerent Batman at the San Siro.
According to Calciomercato, Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte wants a 6ft-something centre-forward to act as understudy to his Inter Milan talisman.
And, after failing to sign veterans Olivier Giroud, Fernando Llorente, Graziano Pelle and Edin Dzeko, the Serie A leaders have turned their attention to a 22-year-old Argentina international plying his trade at CSKA Moscow.
Valued at about £9 million, Gaich wouldn’t break the bank either. His affordability is key at a time when the club’s Chinese owners are embarking on ruthless cost-cutting measures.
However, there may be a worrying explanation why CSKA are willing to sell Gaich for just £9 million less than a year after signing him from San Lorenzo for a similar fee.
In 24 games, ‘The Tank’ has scored just twice, suggesting his bold nickname is a result of his lack of manoeuvrability more than anything else.
Leeds and Sheffield United both expressed an interest in Gaich last summer. And, while Inter’s interest may paint a picture of an exciting number nine with potential by the bucketload, his miserable goal tally tells a different story.
“Yes, I heard about Leeds United’s (interest). It’s true,” agent Pablo Caro said last year.
“In October, right before the transfer window closed, three European clubs were ready to take Gaich. These were Besiktas, Feyenoord and Sheffield United.
“They were ready to pay for him as he is a top striker.”
Antonio Conte’s Serie A leaders see Gaich as the man capable of easing the burden on the rampaging Romelu Lukaku.
However, major doubts persist over The Tank’s firepower.
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