Mateo Retegui’s electric form for Atalanta has thrust him into the spotlight as Chelsea reportedly eye a summer move for the Serie A striker. With 22 goals and 4 assists in 26 league appearances this season, the 25-year-old has emerged as one of Europe’s most lethal forwards, combining clinical finishing with tactical versatility – traits that could address Chelsea’s persistent scoring struggles. Chelsea is targeting Serie A’s top scorer, Mateo Retegui, as it looks to boost their attacking next season with proven goal-scoring talent.
Atalanta have been in stellar form this season and have even done well in the Premier League. Now, they are among the favourites to capture the Serie A title and you can easily bet on them using the 1xBet app. For that reason, it is hard to think that they will allow Retegui to depart, but everyone’s got a price.
A Season-Defining Campaign
Retegui’s 2024/25 statistics paint the picture of a striker in peak form:
- 1.25 goals per 90 minutes (99th percentile in Serie A)
- 3.81 shots per game with 46.7% accuracy
- 31.11% shot conversion rate, outperforming his xG by 3.78 goals
- 19 direct goal contributions (16 goals + 3 assists) in 20 matches
His four-goal demolition of Hellas Verona in February 2025 – including a first-half hat-trick – showcased his ruthless edge, propelling Atalanta into title contention while cementing his reputation as a big-game performer. Though primarily right-footed, 38% of his goals this season have come via headers or left-footed finishes, underscoring his technical adaptability.
Tactical Profile
Mateo Retegui’s impact extends far beyond his impressive goal tally. A closer tactical analysis reveals a player with a multifaceted skill set that could significantly bolster Chelsea’s attack. One of Retegui’s key strengths is his movement intelligence, as he constantly shifts between central and wide channels to disrupt defensive lines. This fluidity creates confusion among opponents and opens up opportunities for his teammates.
In addition to his positional awareness, Retegui excels in link-up play. He completes an impressive 77.87% of his passes, which not only maintains possession but also allows him to create 1.44 key chances per 90 minutes. This ability to both hold up the ball and distribute it effectively makes him a valuable asset in Chelsea’s buildup play.
Retegui also boasts aerial dominance, winning 63% of his aerial duels despite not being a traditional target man. This unexpected threat from the air adds another layer to his game, making him difficult for defenders to anticipate and prepare for. Furthermore, Retegui demonstrates press resistance by retaining possession under pressure through quick one-touch layoffs. These attributes align perfectly with Chelsea’s need for a striker who can both finish moves and participate in the buildup – a role that their current options have struggled to fulfill consistently.
Retegui vs. Jackson
Mateo Retegui and Nicolas Jackson present distinct profiles as strikers, each with unique strengths and weaknesses. A key difference lies in their goal-scoring efficiency. Retegui has been prolific this season, averaging 1.25 goals per 90 minutes, significantly outpacing Jackson’s 0.58 goals per 90. This disparity in scoring rate highlights Retegui’s clinical finishing and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities more effectively.
In terms of shot conversion, Retegui boasts a 31.11% rate, far surpassing Jackson’s 18.4%. This suggests that Retegui is more adept at converting chances into goals, which could be crucial for Chelsea in their quest for improved attacking potency. Additionally, Retegui’s aerial prowess is notable, winning 63% of his aerial duels, whereas Jackson manages 41%. This aerial dominance adds another dimension to Retegui’s game, making him a more versatile threat.
The two strikers also differ in their playmaking abilities. Retegui creates 1.44 key chances per 90 minutes, slightly outdoing Jackson’s 0.92. This indicates that Retegui is not only a prolific scorer but also contributes to the team’s buildup play by creating opportunities for his teammates. Overall, while Jackson shows promise, Retegui’s proven track record and well-rounded skill set make him an attractive option for Chelsea as they seek to bolster their attack.
Strategic Fit at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea’s xG underperformance (12.5 xG deficit this season) stems largely from poor finishing. Retegui’s ability to convert half-chances – evidenced by his league-leading 20 goals from 16.2 xG – could provide immediate uplift. His tendency to drift wide might also create space for Cole Palmer’s central runs, while his aerial threat (4 headed goals) offers a new dimension to Chelsea’s crossing-heavy fullbacks.
Financial considerations add intrigue. Atalanta reportedly values Retegui at €65 million – nearly double Jackson’s 2023 transfer fee. However, with Retegui contributing a goal every 72 minutes compared to Jackson’s 155-minute average, the premium could prove justified.
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